Lewis Hamilton has earned the support of another motorsport legend with World Rally champion Sebastian Ogier hitting out at how the Mercedes star lost the 2021 Formula One title.
Max Verstappen swooped to victory in Abu Dhabi last month after the controversial decision to allow only certain cars to un-lap themselves under a late safety car, which helped the Red Bull perform a spectacular last-lap overtake.
With the new F1 season looming, talk of the incident has not gone away with the FIA currently undertaking a review of race director Michael Masi’s actions.
For Ogier, who has won eight World Rally Championships - the number of titles Hamilton would have won had he taken the chequered flag at Yas Marina - the situation is clear.
He told the Super Moscato Show on RMC: “[The situation] must have been very difficult to accept. [Hamilton] had the impression of being robbed, and he has been robbed. Let's not be afraid of words.
“Even though I have a lot of respect for Verstappen, he had an amazing season, he has not stolen the title. Both merits being champion but it is true that for this last weekend, Lewis was in front until the end.
“Unfortunately for him, a few laps before the end of the race there is the famous safety car, then they restart again. The truth is both would have been wonderful champions but on this last weekend, it is theft.”
Hamilton described the incident as “manipulated” over team radio after the race but has not publicly spoken of his defeat since, but is expected to dispel retirement rumours and return for the start of pre-season testing next month in Barcelona.
