Verstappen doesn't think Hamilton will quit: 'Eighth title still possible'

Lewis Hamilton is clearly dissatisfied with the course of events at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. There are even rumours that the seven-time world champion will retire from Formula 1. Max Verstappen doesn't believe that.

As soon as Lewis Hamilton was told that four cars behind him were allowed to overtake the safety car, the Briton was clear on the board radio. The driver of the Mercedes immediately called it manipulation by the FIA. After the Grand Prix, Hamilton was furious with the race direction, especially with Michael Masi.

The Australian's decision could potentially cause Hamilton to quit F1 altogether. But Max Verstappen does not believe that his great rival will throw in the towel. He says so in an interview with BBC Sport. The new world champion understands that the Briton won't be happy with the race, but also states that it remains a race and that such things can happen.

Fight for the eighth title

The biggest reason for Verstappen why he thinks Hamilton won't quit is the prospect of that record-breaking eighth world title. "He has to keep going, because he's still trying to get that eighth title and that's definitely possible next year, so I don't see any reason why he wouldn't keep going," the Dutchman told the BBC.

Verstappen has no regrets about his overtaking on the final lap of the final race of the season and also thinks Hamilton should not think too much about it. The Briton won his first world title in 2008 in a similar fashion, overtaking Timo Glock on the final lap and snatching the title from Felipe Massa.