Lewis Hamilton’s father, Anthony Hamilton, once heaped huge praise on reigning double-world champion Max Verstappen. Anthony referred to the Dutchman back in 2019 as someone who has the potential to be a world champion.
And as it so happened, Verstappen ironically beat Lewis to his maiden title in the 2021 season. The 25-year-old got the better of the Briton by eight points by winning a controversial season finale in Abu Dhabi that year.
‘Max is an amazing driver’: Anthony Hamilton was all praises for Verstappen
While speaking to Sky Sports F1 back in 2019 about Max Verstappen’s star-studded qualities, Anthony Hamilton said, “Max to be quite honest is an amazing driver. He is definitely a guy for the future”.
The interviewer then went on to state that it is still early days for Verstappen, who at the time just had six wins compared to Lewis’ 79 victories. On hearing this, Anthony added, “He (Verstappen) will get there. I think he is a stunning driver”.
After being all praises for the Dutchman, Anthony began complimenting his own son. He stated that since Lewis is someone who is not only experienced but also wise, any individual who bets against him would be ‘a dangerous man’.
Anthony concluded his remarks by stating that Lewis possesses a quality that only a few other drivers on the F1 grid have. He stated that the 38-year-old is one of the only drivers who can pull off a stunning lap time from nowhere.
Anthony Hamilton speaks to @SkySportsNews about the Lewis vs Max Verstappen debate:
“You’d be a dangerous man betting against Lewis Hamilton.
“It’s a special talent that Lewis has. There are a few drivers who have it and they’re on their way – but they’re not quite there yet.” pic.twitter.com/7CFNcEQ9jI
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 13, 2019
Verstappen beat Hamilton to the title in 2021
The 2021 F1 season produced one of the most entertaining title battles as the world championship fight went all the way down to the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen entered the final race of the season level on points and it was winner takes all.
Even though the Briton led most of the race and it seemed that he was on his way to winning a record-extending eighth world championship, it was not to be. Some controversial decisions from race control suddenly shifted the race in Verstappen’s favour. The Dutchman eventually overtook Hamilton on the final lap to win his maiden title.
