CARLOS SAINZ JR says that he respects Lewis Hamilton ‘more than ever’ after the way he behaved on the Abu Dhabi podium following his agonising defeat in the F1 title decider.
The controversial finish to the season saw Max Verstappen steal the crown from the Brit on the last lap.
There were calls for race director Michael Masi to lose his job after audio from last season’s finale came to light on Thursday.
But Sainz, 27, has praised the way Hamilton, 37, dealt with the crazy ending.
The Spanish driver told Corriere della Sera: “I was surprised how he avoided making a mess at the end of the race.
“Losing the title on the last lap like that is really hard to accept.
“I respect him more than before for how he managed to behave.
“On the podium we exchanged a few words, he was really in trouble.”
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Sainz is back for his second season with Ferrari, who finished third in the constructors championship behind Mercedes and Red Bull.
The cars for the 2022 F1 season have begun to be unveiled this week.
Red Bull showed off their new vehicle and new team name on Wednesday as they become Oracle Red Bull Racing.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin’s elegant new design has shark-like qualities.
