Hamilton was better than Verstappen at this part of the season

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton battled each other for the world title this season. While the Dutchman ended up with the most points for the world championship, Verstappen was not the best in everything.

Hamilton has set the highest number of fastest laps this season, according to DHL. In Italy, Monaco, Austria, the Netherlands, the United States and Saudi Arabia, the world championship runner-up earned an extra point, equalling Verstappen ahead of the final Grand Prix. It was ultimately not enough for the world title.

Second place went to Verstappen who was the fastest of the day in Spain, Azerbaijan, France, Austria, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Valtteri Bottas also did well by setting the fastest time four times. Sergio Perez, Pierre Gasly, Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris completed the top seven.

Presenting the final standings in the 2021 DHL Fastest Lap Award! For the sixth time, the title goes to Mercedes’ @LewisHamilton. #DHLF1 #MomentsThatDeliver pic.twitter.com/gP0kNxXnb6

— DHL_Motorsports (@DHL_Motorsports) December 16, 2021

Absence of Mercedes during FIA gala

Despite the rules, the Briton was not present at the FIA gala on Thursday night. Verstappen was presented with the main prize for winning the world title. Toto Wolff also missed the award ceremony.