Hamilton Stunned by Verstappen: ‘How Is He Just 12 Points Behind?’
Lewis Hamilton expressed his astonishment at Max Verstappen’s recent victory in the Qatar Grand Prix. He discovered that Verstappen is now just 12 points behind Lando Norris in the Formula 1 drivers’ championship standings. The revelation came as Hamilton approached the media area for his post-race analysis, where he was unaware of the race results at the Lusail International Circuit.
Hamilton’s Reaction to the Championship Picture
Due to a lack of screens at the circuit, Hamilton was blind to the unfolding events during the race. Upon learning of Verstappen’s win and the current championship situation, he remarked that additional screens would be “helpful” for future races. The 5.419 km layout left him unaware of vital race developments, including the status of his competitors.
Current Standings and Implications
With just one race remaining, the championship race is tightening. Along with Norris and Verstappen, Oscar Piastri trails by another four points. The standings leading into the final race are as follows:
- Lando Norris: Leader
- Max Verstappen: 12 points behind
- Oscar Piastri: 16 points behind
Hamilton’s initial reaction to the news was one of surprise. “Max won? Oh shit, I didn’t know, I had no idea!” he exclaimed, showcasing his genuine shock. “Holy shit! Wow! I thought Piastri won… Well, that’s exciting! It goes right to the last — to the wire.”
Praise for Verstappen and Red Bull Racing
While discussing Verstappen, Hamilton acknowledged his competitor’s skills and the effectiveness of the Red Bull Racing team. He credited Verstappen for consistently performing well, stating, “We all know Max does a great job.”
Hamilton also pointed out that Red Bull has maintained a strong vehicle over the past four years, noting their challenges at the start of this season and their impressive comeback. “He’s obviously got a great car, but he does an amazing job with it. So fair play to him,” Hamilton concluded.
