Trapped In Sports

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Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic
Tennis

“I feel like I’m in a big disadvantage” : Daniil Medvedev explains his struggles and outbursts after heavy loss to Taylor Fritz at the ATP World Tour Finals

“I feel like I’m in a big disadvantage” : Daniil Medvedev explains his struggles and outbursts after heavy loss to Taylor Fritz at the ATP World Tour Finals Nothing seems to be going the way of world no.4 Daniil Medvedev at the moment, and his recent outburst at the round robin match against US Open runner up Taylor Fritz at the ATP World Tour Finals did not help matters at all. The Russian lost to the American 6-4, 6-3, embarrassing himself while doing so. Medvedev received multiple code violations throughout the match by the umpire, for furiously throwing his racket a little more than one time. Things got out of hand as the Russian was so furious as no decision was going his way. Medvedev also had problems with the ball, and quite literally begged the umpire to hand him an old one, or else he would quit the match on the spot. The Russian ultimately ended his horror night with eight double faults which were included in his 24 unforced errors. “I have this every day, day in, day out, since like two, three years” : Daniil Medvedev admits struggling with mental issues Speaking after his defeat, the Russian admitted his mistake when asked about his outbursts during the match and told that he was just frustrated more with himself than anyone else. “Unfortunately, nothing comes from my mind, and I expect nothing. I get angry, frustrated. This time completely with myself, not with anyone. Just with myself. Yeah, very frustrated,” said Medvedev. The 28-year-old further addressed this issue, and revealed that he has been struggling mentally since the past few years. The balls also remained a topic of conversation as he explained how it was putting him at a disadvantage against Fritz. “I have this every day, day in, day out, since like two, three years. Every practice is a struggle. Every match is a struggle. I was holding for long time. Now I feel zero pleasure of being on the court. So, no surprise at all about the match today,” addressed the world no.4. “Not at all. The balls make that everyone can do it now. So not at all surprised,” Medvedev added. The Russian continued on the fact that he is pleased that the ATP season is finally about to be over, as he is ‘tired’ to fight over something which does not depend on himself, and that he will hold no grudges going forward regardless of how things turn out for him. “It’s the first time I say it. Usually, like, ATP Finals were not easy for me. The only time I won it was when the year started US Open, so it’s a little bit different. But like I always fight. As I said, since long time I fight with something that doesn’t depend on myself. I’m a good fighter. I am still 4 in the world. Might be 5 if Taylor plays good here. Still pretty decent. I’m sure a lot of guys would like it.” said the former world no.1. “But now I’m tired to fight it. I’m tired to fight against something that doesn’t depend on myself. I’ll see how it goes. Today actually I had my chances. I’ll have them the next matches. If it doesn’t work out, I go on holiday. I’m happy.” Medvedev explained. Daniil Medvedev cannot go on a holiday just yet, as he is still in the competition and will face world no.8 Alex De Minaur on November 12, whom he leads 6-3 in head-to-head. His final group stage match will be against none other than Jannik Sinner on November 13, who has all but sealed his world no.1 spot for this season. Moreover, the duo will be facing each other for the 15th time, and are tied at 7-7. Expect this one to be a proper clash, one which can heavily motivate the Russian going forward provided he comes out victorious. Also Read: “He managed to find an explanation within 15 days after testing positive” : Casper Ruud defends Jannik Sinner as the tennis world divides on the Italian’s doping case

Mikel Arteta
Football

“I think we dominated them, we were the better team in many phases and situations” : Was Mikel Arteta ‘furious’ over the draw at Stamford Bridge?

“I think we dominated them, we were the better team in many phases and situations” : Was Mikel Arteta ‘furious’ over the draw at Stamford Bridge? Just when we thought the Gunners could come back to the title race after Manchester City’s surprising drought, fellow North London club Chelsea was there to stop the fun for Mikel Arteta and co. After a rather unconvincing yet very open 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal sit fourth in the points table, as the first position seems too far fetched to even think about right now, considering the form Liverpool have been in. Drastic changes are yet to be seen, but the Spainard needs to sort things out quickly in order to stay alive even in the top four, as Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Fulham, Newcastle and Aston Villa are literally breathing down their necks. Speaking of the Spainard, reports have widely suggested that he was ‘furious’ and highly ‘disappointed’ with his players after the draw, but that does not seem to be the case at all. “I’m very proud of the team with how they reacted” : Mikel Arteta’s words say otherwise Speaking to Sky Sports after the draw, Mikel Arteta was obviously disappointed, even a bit frustrated perhaps, which makes sense especially after the close call which would have sealed them the win at the final minutes of the game. But it is quite incorrect to say that the Spaniard was in any way ‘angry’. “I think we dominated them, we were the better team in many phases and situations in the game and after going ahead, very disappointed in the way we conceded. It was so poor. It is not our standards and we don’t accept,” said Arteta. The Spainard also suggested that the team needs to stop being so disorientated and try to think quickly and effectively to move the ball forward, but not before saying how proud he was of the whole team’s efforts, completely nullifying the reports that state that he was ‘angry’. “Really proud, but at the end we are here to get the three points and we didn’t. It is a second phase set piece and we were disorganised. We don’t reorganise quick enough and you can’t allow the pass that way.” said the 42-year-old. “You need the quality of Neto to do it but our standards were not good enough. They are all disappointed as a team. I’m very proud of the team with how they reacted. We wanted the three points and we didn’t get them.” the Spaniard added. Regardless of how the media has portrayed him, Arteta did also add some good points, addressing that a big change is needed in order to come back to winning ways and a plan is in the process.  “You could see everything was flowing but again it is about winning. We have a clear vision how we can evolve the team. What we find out is that we have to change something big because we have problem after problem. But this team is able to adapt. My biggest fear is physically to get players at their best for 90 minutes. With that I’m fully confident we will have a good season.” Arteta explained. Luckily for the Spaniard, the international break has arrived right on time for him and his staff to ready the players for a massive title charge come December.

Featured

“The criticism he gets is unfair” : Bronny James’ teammate pushes his ability after an unconvincing debut in the G-League

“The criticism he gets is unfair” : Bronny James’ teammate pushes his ability after an unconvincing debut in the G-League When you are the son of LeBron James, the spotlight will follow you everywhere, disregarding the fact if you have performed well or not. As many speculated, Bronny James has been having a hard time getting acquainted to the NBA, with many doubting if the youngster will actually last going forward. Bronny James’ G-League debut meanwhile provided more questions than answers. The 20-year-old scored just 6 points with 4 assists and 3 rebounds with a field goal percentage of a modest 20. Fans have actively participated on social media to provide their take on Bronny’s performances since the start of the season, and the general consensus is that he is not up for the big leagues just yet. But his G-League teammate Quincy Olivari thinks otherwise, who addressed to the media about the whole Bronny situation and believes that he has much more to offer than people think. “I’m a big advocate on pushing that he’s a great player” : Quincy Olivari on Bronny James Quincy Olivari on the contrary had a spectacular game against the Salt Lake City Stars on Saturday. In their 110-96 victory, Olivari scored 28 points and 10 rebounds, much to the joy of the Lakers fans. Although, comparisons started to occur between Olivari and James, with some believing that the former should receive more playing time than the latter. But despite his MVP performance which completely outshined Bronny, Olivari supported him in front of the media, indirectly saying that they need to go easier on the criticism and that he was pleased to see him having fun.  “I was happy that Bronny got a chance to show the world that he can play. I’m a big advocate for pushing that he is a great basketball player, and the criticism he gets is unfair. To see him go out there and have fun with Max Lewis was fun to see,” Olivari said. Quincy Olivari has now had a couple of standout performances including the pre-season, and Lakers coach JJ Reddick will definitely have his eyes on the 23-year-old for the upcoming matches in hopes to overcome their poor start to the season, and to provide LeBron James and co. some much needed firepower.

Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal
Tennis

“I wish I could have” : Carlos Alcaraz on convincing Rafael Nadal to not step off the court just yet

“I wish I could have” : Carlos Alcaraz on convincing Rafael Nadal to not step off the court just yet Ever since Rafael Nadal had been hindered with on and off injuries, everyone knew the day would arrive when the greatest Spanish player of all time finally says his goodbyes to the sport. Unfortunately for fans worldwide, that day arrived and it is still shocking to digest the fact that we will not be having his presence on the court ever again. World no.3 Carlos Alcaraz is one of us, as he revealed how difficult it was to hear his role model’s retirement from the sport. The Spainard, who is currently in Turin for the ATP World Tour Finals, will be a part of Team Spain at the Davis Cup finals held in Malaga, the place where Rafael Nadal will retire for good.  The duo of Nadal and Alcaraz sparked the Paris Olympics this summer with many iconic moments, and we may very well see it again in the Davis Cup, be it for the final time. “We want to win the Davis Cup title for Spain and also for Rafa” : Carlos Alcaraz In a recent interview with Marca, the Spainard addressed many things regarding the Davis Cup and his thoughts on Nadal’s retirement. Alcaraz described how heartbroken he was when the 38-year-old told him his retirement plans, and that he wishes he could have his say on the matter, as do all tennis fans worldwide. “No, not really. I wish I could have. I know that the decision has already been made. I asked him if it was a tough day when he announced his retirement, if it was a tough decision to make,” said the 21-year-old. “If someone had told me that I had a chance of convincing him to continue, I would have done it and I would have tried because I don’t want to see him off the track yet,” the four-time Grand Slam champion added. Regardless, with the Davis Cup arriving soon, Alcaraz revealed that he wants to go into the tournament with any ‘emotional expectations’. He wants to be available for Team Spain in every category be it singles, doubles or even mixed. But most of all, the Spainard wishes to win the tournament to provide the legendary Rafael Nadal the send-off he deserves. “I want to go without any emotional expectations. We want to win the (Davis Cup) title for Spain and also for Rafa, so that his last tournament is as God intended,” Alcaraz admitted. “I will play for Spain in whatever way I can: singles, doubles, and if there is a mixed category, then the mixed category. If there is anything else, I am there to contribute my grain of sand because playing for Spain is the greatest thing for me. Being able to represent my country, my flag, all Spaniards, and even more so in the situation we are experiencing due to the DANA. I am going to give everything for my flag and for my country,” the Spainard added. Team Spain will be taking on the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup on November 19 at the Palacio Deportes Martín Carpena in Malaga. Safe to say, it is up to Carlos Alcaraz to lead his nation all up to the finals. Also Read: “He managed to find an explanation within 15 days after testing positive” : Casper Ruud defends Jannik Sinner as the tennis world divides on the Italian’s doping case

Formula 1

“I don’t think it will be easy for Lewis” : Former F1 Supremo believes Lewis Hamilton will have a hard time going against Charles Leclerc at Ferrari

“I don’t think it will be easy for Lewis” : Former F1 Supremo believes Lewis Hamilton will have a hard time going against Charles Leclerc at Ferrari All is done for Lewis Hamilton to set sail on his new and perhaps final journey in F1 to the Italian team. This move has been built up since the start of the year and after a rollercoaster of a final stint with his beloved Mercedes, the Briton seems to have made up his mind. Hamilton’s final season with the Germans has not been the easiest, to say the least. His victories at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps might say otherwise, but overall, the seven-time world champion has played second fiddle to teammate George Russell almost the whole season, whether it is in qualifying or the actual racing. The Briton will be looking forward to change things as soon as he reaches Maranello, but the doubters remain prominent. Earlier, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted that he is glad that Lewis Hamilton decided to dawn the red and white colours as it makes him avoid a pretty nasty conversation where he needs to tell arguably the greatest F1 driver of all time that his services are no longer required. But most recently, even former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has also come out to say that Lewis Hamilton should not bother racing for Ferrari, fearing he might not be the main guy for them anymore. “They will back Charles Leclerc” : Bernie Ecclestone believes Lewis Hamilton will not be prioritized over Charles Leclerc It is true that Charles Leclerc is having a great season at Ferrari personally, and has had victories at the Circuit of Americas, Monza, and a pretty iconic one at Monaco, for obvious reasons. Ecclestone has made some good points, as Leclerc has never looked this good in the five years he has spent with the Italian team. “I don’t think it will be easy for Lewis, especially [at Ferrari]. They will back Charles Leclerc. He’s quick and has grown up there, they won’t dump him for anyone.” said Ecclestone to the Daily Mail. Although, the former F1 supremo does believe that it is a good move for Lewis Hamilton’s career, as he was obviously not welcomed for another season at Mercedes. “However, from Lewis’ point of view, it may not have been a mistake to join Ferrari. He couldn’t exist any longer at Mercedes. Either he’s given up with them or they have given up on him. They wouldn’t do much to keep him, so he is better off going.” the 94-year-old added. Ecclestone also revealed that he does not want to see Lewis Hamilton fading, and that is why he wants him to leave and do something he would be the best at. Obviously, he means well, but the idea of the Briton leaving F1 before his stint at Ferrari seems too far-fetched. Not to mention the substantial amount he would be missing financially. “He would have to walk away from a lot financially, it is a big deal he has got, though I suspect the bonus clauses written into his contract are there to make him feel good rather than reality,” said Ecclestone. Getting the title of the greatest F1 driver of all time is all good and well, but the soon to be 40-year-old will have to honour that title by producing one of his best seasons in 2025, all while going against teammate Charles Leclerc. Also Read: “It’s going to be one hell of a second half of the season” : Lewis Hamilton has high hopes for the remainder of the year

Is Novak Djokovic playing Laver Cup?
Tennis

“I feel sorry for those who want me to retire, because they will have to see me for a while longer” : Novak Djokovic

“I feel sorry for those who want me to retire, because they will have to see me for a while longer” : Novak Djokovic Novak Djokovic has hit out at critics following his loss to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of the Six Kings Slam 2024. The Serbian has stated that he has no intentions to retire in the near future, as he still believes he can compete for Grand Slams. Novak Djokovic has seen a decline in his form after claiming the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. After a shocking early round exit at the US Open, the Serbian was defeated in the finals of the Shanghai Open by Jannik Sinner. After suffering his second loss to the Italian in four days, the Serb was questioned if he has any intentions to call it a day like his fierce rival Rafael Nadal. “I still feel that I enjoy the process and it generates all these benefits for me, so why not do it? Some people think I should retire from tennis at the top: “You won gold, you won everything, say goodbye.” Some people think I should keep going as long as I still think I can be the favorite for a Grand Slam. I think more like them,” said Novak. Novak Djokovic will now face Rafael Nadal for the third place at the Six Kings Slam, which could potentially also be their last ever meeting. The Spaniard announced last week that he will retire post the 2024 Davis Cup to be held next month. “For now I feel like I want to keep going” : Novak Djokovic Novak Djokovic accepted the fact that the motivation to play and compete is a little less, as he also has a family he wants to spend time with. However, he believes he will keep going for at least some more time given that he still feels competitive. “Maybe I will change my mind, I don’t know. For now I feel like I want to keep going. How much longer? Traveling and finding motivation is becoming more difficult for me. It’s not easy. And even less so with children. I don’t want to be away from home for so long, but I still have the drive. So I feel sorry for those who want me to retire, because they will have to see me for a while longer.” Novak Djokovic also stated that he loves playing the Davis Cup, representing his country. Moreover, he reckons that he has more Grand Slams left in him, which pushes him to compete. The Serbian has not had a very consistent year on the tour by his standards, however, he achieved the most awaited milestone of his career, by winning the Olympic gold in Paris. “Deep inside I feel that I still have more Grand Slams to win. What still pushes me to compete, especially in the Grand Slams, is the feeling that I can be a candidate to win it. And also for my country. I love playing the Davis Cup for Serbia. When I have to motivate myself, there are two things: one is to continue believing that I have the ability to continue fighting for the majors and win them,” said Novak Djokovic. Also Read: “He managed to find an explanation within 15 days after testing positive” : Casper Ruud defends Jannik Sinner as the tennis world divides on the Italian’s doping case

Formula 1

“Not even Lewis Hamilton will ever come close to Michael Schumacher” : Ralf Schumacher

“Not even Lewis Hamilton will ever come close to Michael Schumacher” : Ralf Schumacher Ralf Schumacher recently commented on Lewis Hamilton matching his brother Michael Schumacher’s legacy in F1. Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher hold the record for the most F1 world championship titles, having won seven each. The Briton has an opportunity to go one above the great German driver, as he still has some years of racing left in him. However, Ralf Schumacher believes that Lewis Hamilton will not come close to Michael Schumacher’s legacy. He believes that the Mercedes driver will not be able to win an eighth title, given his struggles over the last three seasons. Lewis Hamilton will now move to Ferrari at the end of the season, as he leaves Mercedes after almost over a decade. Ralf Schumacher believes that Max Verstappen could probably have an opportunity to match Michael’s legacy, given that he is well on his way to claiming his fourth consecutive World Championship title. The Dutchman sits 52 points ahead of Lando Norris, with just six races remaining. “Not even Lewis Hamilton will ever come close to Michael. Not in light years, from my point of view. We thought Lewis Hamilton could walk on water and, no, he didn’t,” said Ralf. Ralf Schumacher states that Max Verstappen can go further in terms of talent than Lewis Hamilton Max Verstappen has been the undisputed leader in Formula One over the past couple of seasons. He claimed the title rather comfortably in 2022 and 2023. He has been pushed by his rivals this season, however, it seems that the Dutchman will claim his fourth successive title. “We thought Max Verstappen could walk on water – although in my opinion, in terms of talent, he could actually go further than Lewis. That’s just the way it is,” Ralf added. Ralf Schumacher also added that Michael Schumacher was lucky to be at the right place at the right time. The German dominated the grid with Ferrari during the early 2000s. For Lewis Hamilton, he will now move to Ferrari in 2025, as he ends his tenure with Mercedes after spending almost over 10 years. He will now partner Charles Leclerc, who has been with the Italian team for quite some time. Also Read: “It’s going to be one hell of a second half of the season” : Lewis Hamilton has high hopes for the remainder of the year

Football

“He just looks like someone who would be a good manager for Manchester United” : Peter Schmeichel opts for Thomas Tuchel as ideal replacement for Erik ten Hag

“He just looks like someone who would be a good manager for Manchester United” : Peter Schmeichel opts for Thomas Tuchel as ideal replacement for Erik ten Hag It is Erik ten Hag’s third season with the Red Devils, and apart from winning the FA Cup and the League Cup in his tenure, no significant progress seems to be showing, and fans are now seeming to be losing patience. Things could not have gone worse for the Dutchman, as Manchester United have started off their 24/25 campaign in the worst possible way. Now sitting 14th in the Premier League table with just two wins out of seven matches played, after another big money summer transfer window, ten Hag’s job looks to be in serious jeopardy. Legendary Manchester United goalkeeper and now pundit Peter Schmeichel believes that there is no point for Erik ten Hag to be sacked right now, but if a change were to happen, he stated that he would like former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel to take charge. “I like Thomas Tuchel, I really like him. Being around the Champions League, talking to him and interviewing him, listening to him talk to his players in the technical area, he just looks like someone who would be a good manager for Manchester United.” said Schmeichel (via the Seaman Says podcast). “I just think he’s got such a great aura around him that he fits the bill for United” : Peter Schmeichel Thomas Tuchel is one of the most reputed managers in world football, thanks to his tenures with Borussia Dortmund and especially Chelsea, where he won the UEFA Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup, and the world’s best club coach award. The Danish pundit realises this, and also believes that the German coached Chelsea and Bayern Munich at the wrong time. “With the last two jobs Thomas Tuchel had, at Chelsea and at Bayern Munich, he was at those two clubs at the wrong time. Chelsea was a mess when he was there with the new owners coming in. At Bayern it was similar because they changed the whole leadership of the club,” said the former United goalkeeper. “I don’t think he got his way at Chelsea and I know for sure he didn’t get his way at Bayern Munich. I just think he’s got such a great aura around him that he fits the bill for United. But, Erik ten Hag is still the manager.” the 60-year-old added. The Danish also stated that he wants Erik ten Hag to succeed, as changing managers again and again would not be ideal and will hamper with consistency. But, he also admitted that he is not sure whether or not the Dutchman is the right person to take the Red Devils to the top. “I will support him because I want the club to do well. I don’t want United to be the club that changes the manager all the time. I hope they stick with Erik because we need consistency now. Let him have a fair go at this. He’s been hampered by a lot of things over the last two years, now he’s got his own players, let him show us what the plan is and what he can do with the football club. If that doesn’t work then maybe then we talk about a change.” “I don’t know to be completely honest. I really, really don’t know. I don’t think the owners think he is the one because we saw they were speaking to other managers in the summer and even recently there has been linked with Thomas Tuchel. I don’t know. If they decide to change the manager then fair enough, but I just don’t see the point in doing that right now. There’s a lot of things happening at the club at the moment so it’s difficult to judge precisely where the team is.” Schmeichel reflected. Peter Schmeichel also wants the owners and fans to be a bit more patient, but admits that their league position is not doing them any favours. He also talked about waiting for the new players to have a solid impact at games as nothing can be proved at such a short span of time. “Will we get back? How long until we get back? When is that going to happen? I think we need a bit of patience to see how the new guys that have come in are going to impact the club. It’s difficult to have a massive impact in such a short space of time. It’s been like this since Sir Alex [Ferguson] left so it’s a long, long period they have to correct. I’m all for giving them time but as we speak we’re 14th in the table so it’s not good enough.” the United legend concluded. To say that Erik ten Hag’s days as manager are numbered is an understatement, because if things keep up this way, we could very well see a new manager at Old Trafford right after the international break. Also Read: “This year Declan has to change that” : Yaya Toure provides key difference between Rodri and Declan Rice

Is Novak Djokovic playing Laver Cup?
Tennis

“Kokki will get first priority but I am down” : Nick Kyrgios chooses best friend over Novak Djokovic as potential doubles partner

“Kokki will get first priority but I am down” : Nick Kyrgios chooses best friend over Novak Djokovic as potential doubles partner While recovering from his injury this season, Nick Kyrgios has been a busy man on social media. In his recent Q&A with fans on his Instagram stories, the Australian tennis star highlighted several things which have gone viral on social media. When asked about whether or not he will partner up with Novak Djokovic next season, he did not deny this possibility, but stated that he would prefer his best friend Thanasi Kokkinakis over the Serbian. “Next year doubles with Novak?” a fan asked Kyrgios on his Instagram Q&A. “Kokki will get first priority but I am down.” the Australian replied. Hailing from the same country, Kyrgios has known Kokkinakis since his junior tennis days. Their close friendship gained more prominence during their 2022 Australian Open men’s double title victory, where they went in as wildcards and became the first Aussie duo in 25 years to achieve this historic feat. But their camaraderie extends beyond the tennis court, as their relationship is built on shared experiences, mutual respect and a similar way of looking at life. “I only play with CLEAN players” : Nick Kyrgios on if he would ever partner up with Jannik Sinner Apart from Novak Djokovic, the Australian was also asked about if he would ever decide to pair up with the world no.1, to which, apart from clearly denying, he also threw shade at Jannik Sinner. “Double with Sinner? pls” a fan asked. “I only play with CLEAN players” the Wimbledon finalist replied. Throughout the Italian’s doping allegations this summer, Nick Kyrgios has been very vocal about being against the treatment he has received. The Australian believed that Sinner was being let off easily just because of his high ranking, and even demanded back in August, that after being tested positive for illegal substances not once but twice, the 23-year-old should face a 2-year ban. Recently, tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg revealed on social media that the CAS has agreed to hear WADA’s appeal over the Italian’s case, to which Nick Kyrgios yet again questioned on how Sinner is even permitted to play right now. “Why’s he still playing lol” Kyrgios replied. Jannik Sinner is currently in the middle of his Rolex Shanghai Masters campaign, and even after stating previously that he thought this was a matter of the past, the world no.1 still believed that the CAS’ final decision would go his way. Also Read: “He managed to find an explanation within 15 days after testing positive” : Casper Ruud defends Jannik Sinner as the tennis world divides on the Italian’s doping case

Formula 1

Guenther Steiner believes FIA Race Director ‘robbed’ Lewis Hamilton of his eighth F1 title

Guenther Steiner believes FIA Race Director ‘robbed’ Lewis Hamilton of his eighth F1 title Max Verstappen’s infamous first world championship victory was bound to be talked about for decades to come. A controversy which has divided the F1 world to this day, with some believing the Dutchman clearly deserved his title while others dead set on Lewis Hamilton being ‘robbed’ of his record eighth world championship. Lewis Hamilton, who is currently tied with Michael Schumacher at seven world championships, was believed to be one of the victims of the FIA’s unjustly ruling during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Race Director Michael Masi permitted only a few cars to overtake to move them back into position during the late-race safety car. This decision ultimately favored Max Verstappen to get ahead of the Briton in the final minutes of the race. Former Haas Team Principal Guenther Stiener was the latest to comment about this controversy. In his new book ‘Unfiltered’, the Italian says that he is one of the people who believes Lewis Hamilton should have been an eight-time world champion. “From a regulations point of view, it was a s*** show” : Guenther Steiner leaves no filter on his assessment over the FIA’s controversial decision Apart from choosing Hamilton as his winner, Steiner also bluntly stated about the FIA’s disappointing ruling, and then compared it to the late Charlie Whiting’s decision-makings. The Italian manager believes that Lewis Hamilton would have been an eight-time world champion had Whiting officiated the race. “Wherever your loyalties lie, and yes, it was amazing entertainment, from a regulations point of view, it was a s*** show of biblical proportions,” said the 59-year-old in his book ‘Unfiltered’. While Max Verstappen has now gone and become a three-time world champion after that race and a potential fourth one on the way, things have not quite been the same for Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton. The Briton has massively struggled in these past seasons and has been nowhere near those same heights. Whether it is the new ground regulations set by the FIA, car struggles or issues in qualifying sessions, something or the other seems to be stopping Hamilton to go for no.8. But nonetheless, Lewis Hamilton is still not one to give up, as he finally ended his winless drought by winning the British and Belgian Grand Prix this season. Moreover, his shift to Scuderia Ferrari next year is only increasing his odds of becoming the first driver to have eight world championships. Also Read: “It’s going to be one hell of a second half of the season” : Lewis Hamilton has high hopes for the remainder of the year

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