Hamilton on lost world title: "A very traumatic experience"

Lewis Hamilton sat down with Channel 4 to look back on the apotheosis of last year's Formula One season. The Mercedes driver could have sniffed his eighth world title, but a controversial decision by Michael Masi meant Max Verstappen took the championship. Hamilton does not have fond memories of it, but at the same time he says he needs to look to the future.

"I will always remember what happened in Abu Dhabi. It was a very traumatic experience. In a way it's normal. When you lose something you've worked so hard for, you feel a lot of pain. So I think that will always be a part of me, but I'd like to think that I've become stronger because of what happened in that race," Hamilton told the cameras of the British television station.

Hamilton happy with FIA

The 37-year-old driver does not lie awake every day from the injustice (because that is how he still sees it) that was done to him. "I'm one of those people who likes to look forward. I am grateful because I love my job, I love this sport and I feel supported within the sport. I'm also excited to see the changes that are slowly beginning to take place."

The FIA released a report in March outlining structural changes and an action plan. Although there was some criticism of the governing body following the unveiling of the plans, the main protagonist of the issue is satisfied with the progress made in recent months. However, the real results will probably only become visible in the longer term.