'Hamilton has allowed Verstappen to upset him and steal the title'

Lewis Hamilton has been dominant for seven years, but Max Verstappen put an end to that with his victory in Abu Dhabi. Eddie Jordan thinks Hamilton was magnanimous and accepted the defeat professionally.

Mercedes were understandably upset at the defeat, because throughout the race the seven-time world champion looked set to win another title. He stretched out a big lead over the Dutchman, but on the final lap of the race he lost that advantage due to a safety car, allowing Verstappen to overtake him on fresh tyres and become world champion.

The door opened

According to Jordan, it would have been normal for the Mercedes driver to get angry in that situation, but instead Hamilton congratulated the Red Bull Racing driver. According to the former team boss Hamilton let himself be intimidated too much by Verstappen. The 24-year-old Dutchman was worthy of the title, but Hamilton opened the door.

"He’s allowed someone as aggressive and arrogant as Verstappen to upset him and steal his title from him," the Irishman told the BBC. "I think Lewis has been too nice for too long and I think he needs to harden himself up again."