Fittipaldi: Hamilton just gets better, Verstappen deserves two F1 titles

The 2021 F1 season got off to a very bad start for, Hamilton and Mercedes with an awkward car in the W13 which the team have never fully understood, as a result, the Englishman's incredible streak of winning a Grand Prix in every season he has raced in F1, since 2007.

He lies sixth in the 2021 F1 standings after 19 rounds, but Fittipaldi is full of praise in his latest column for VegasInsider: "Lewis has taught us, more than him learning because at the beginning of the year, he must have been extremely disappointed as an athlete to not have all the tools to perform and compete for the World Championship.

"It would have been very frustrating for him being a seven-time World Champion, to be in that position. And he fought in every race, for every second, every month.

"He kept getting better, better and better up to the point that Mercedes are in now. His determination, his talent, his attitude of working hard, it is very impressive. Mercedes' recovery has been impressive," declared the Brazilian two-time F1 World Champion.

Of the driver who dethroned Hamilton, current double-F1 world champion Max Verstappen, Fitti[aldi was equally enthused: "Whatever era of Formula 1, the competition is always difficult and there's always pressure. So, winning two World Championships is very difficult.

"Winning the second World Championship, for the driver, is satisfying and it is a confirmation of talent, of dedication. I'm sure Max must be extremely happy. Winning two years in a row is very special. Very, very special."

Looking back on the chaotic and unfitting 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale, Fittipaldi said: "In my opinion, he really deserved it last year and he really deserved it this year. He won most of the races in the last championship and this year he was fantastic on his way to the championship.

"What happened in Abu Dhabi had nothing to do with Max's talent and he deserved to be world champion. And this year is exactly the same he showed performance, showed his talent, showed that under pressure he doesn't wither. He showed that he is a World Champion."

"When you're starting a new year as defending World Champion, there is a lot of pressure. And he dealt with that very well," added Fittipaldi.

F1 now heads to Austin for the United States Grand Prix where Hamilton has the first of four chances to win a race, and keep that fabulous streak going at least another year; while Verstappen will be packing a second WDC trophy on his mantle piece at the end of the year - already guaranteed.