'Lewis has been too nice for too long'

Lewis Hamilton had to allow Max Verstappen to take the world title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon. According to David Coulthard, the seven-time world champion has himself to thank for this to a large extent, he told the BBC.

The Briton has been the clear world champion in recent years. Where Verstappen tried to make things as difficult as possible for Hamilton, he just couldn't hurt his competitor. This season was different though, as Hamilton struggled to keep up with the Dutchman in several races.

Coulthard believes Hamilton has allowed this to happen. "I think Hamilton has opened the door. He's allowed someone as aggressive and arrogant as Verstappen to upset him and steal his title from him," said Coulthard. "I think Lewis has been too nice for too long and I think he needs to harden himself up again."

Hamilton put himself in a sporting position in Abu Dhabi by congratulating Verstappen on his world championship. The driver, who led for a long time in the race, was unlucky that Nicholas Latifi crashed hard into the wall just before the end of the race, causing all the cars to rejoin. Verstappen was then able to pass his competitor with his red tyre.