Verstappen understands Hamilton's emotions: 'Always had respect for him'

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are back this weekend at the circuit that was the scene of a controversial finish last season. Verstappen took the world title at Hamilton's expense on the very last lap after the race organisers made a heavily criticised decision.

Verstappen and Hamilton have regularly looked back on the moment throughout the year. Verstappen now does so again at Sky Sports. Among other things, he discusses how he understood Hamilton's disappointment: "The only thing I did say to myself at the time was, he has seven world championships. And he has also won one where it looked like he was losing out, and then in the last corner, he didn't (the 2008 Brazilian GP). So I hope that he could understand at least a little bit the difference in emotion."

Always respect

The now two-time world champion continued: "But yeah, I felt for him and especially, you know, we had our moments when we got together that year, but I always respected him and I think we did have a great battle. And also finally, we had two teams fighting for a championship. I really hope that we can appreciate that someday."

Verstappen says in the interview that he had actually reconciled himself to defeat at the time. Red Bull did not have the speed that weekend and he needed a miracle to still take the title. That miracle came, the Dutchman frankly admits.