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Verstappen gets a present in Russia: 'The luck of a champion'

28 September 2021 at 06:27
Last update 28 September 2021 at 08:56
  • GPblog.com

Lewis Hamilton took back the lead in the world championship with his victory in Russia. Second place for Max Verstappen limited the damage for the Dutchman, and that hurts Lewis according to Robert Doornbos.

In Belgium, Italy and Russia Mercedes and Hamilton had to make their move in the battle for the world title. On tracks where they normally are the favourites with their power, they didn't score the amount of points they hoped for. That Verstappen drove to P2 despite an engine change in Russia, will not sit well with Lewis.

Gift for Verstappen

''It's not good for him. This is an important moment in the championship. This was finally a weekend where Max was lucky. The luck Lewis has often had. The luck of a champion. That you're lucky to go in at the right time. And let's not forget that Lewis made three big mistakes this weekend, where Max could not be caught at all,'' says Doornbos at Ziggo Sport.

Despite Verstappen's flawless weekend, the rain and the additional pit stops were a gift to Verstappen, the former Minardi driver believes. ''It's a present because if Max finishes sixth he can be happy from last place. How often has that happened? This is a present Max has just unwrapped,'' the former Formula 1 driver concludes.