Serena Williams’ Bold Claim on Hamilton’s Missed Titles Ignites F1 Debate Ahead of Abu Dhabi Finale

Serena Williams has stirred the Formula 1 community by suggesting Lewis Hamilton deserved nine world titles, not just seven. Her remark comes as F1 approaches the season finale in Abu Dhabi, echoing past controversies.

Key Takeaways:

• Serena Williams commented on social media that Lewis Hamilton should have won nine F1 championships, sparking widespread debate among fans and insiders.
• The controversy relates to the contentious 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Hamilton narrowly lost his eighth title to Max Verstappen, and the 2007 season marked by McLaren’s strategic errors and the Spygate scandal.
• Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff’s recent statement about ‘personal anger’ fueling their pursuit for Hamilton’s eighth title has added to the ongoing discussion, further amplified by Williams’ comment.

Former tennis superstar Serena Williams recently made a bold statement about Lewis Hamilton, suggesting that the F1 ace should have clinched nine world championships instead of his current tally of seven. As the Formula 1 circus heads to its season climax in Abu Dhabi, her comment has reignited discussions about past racing controversies and Hamilton’s career.

This contention harks back to two particularly contentious moments in Hamilton’s illustrious career. The first is the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a race etched in the memories of F1 aficionados for its dramatic and controversial ending. Hamilton, in a commanding position for most of the race, was caught off guard when the FIA race director made a pivotal decision involving lapped cars, setting the stage for a last-lap sprint. Max Verstappen, on fresher tires, seized this opportunity to overtake Hamilton, clinching the championship in a heart-stopping finale.

The second event Williams may be referring to is the 2007 season. Hamilton, in his rookie year with McLaren, was on the brink of an astonishing championship victory. However, a sequence of puzzling team decisions and strategy errors, including a costly mistake in China and unusual challenges in Brazil, saw him lose the title by a single point to Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen. This season was also marred by the infamous ‘Spygate’ scandal, further adding to its controversy.

Adding to the current conversation, Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, expressed his determination to help Hamilton secure an eighth title, driven by ‘personal anger.’ This sentiment was echoed in Williams’ Instagram comment on an ESPN F1 post, stating, “He should have had 9 already. But …. Lemme be quiet.” This comment attracted significant attention, garnering over 1800 likes and a flurry of responses, both in support and criticizing her for stepping into the F1 debate.

As the Formula 1 season draws to a close in Abu Dhabi, these reflections on Hamilton’s career – and the what-ifs surrounding it – add an extra layer of intrigue and emotion. While some fans echo Williams’ sentiments, others argue for the unpredictability and complexity of the sport. What remains clear is Hamilton’s impressive legacy in F1, marked by both his undeniable skill and a series of dramatic, sometimes contentious, moments that have defined his career trajectory.