Lewis Hamilton has already shown himself how he must respond to Max Verstappen triumph

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Lewis Hamilton was unable to claim a record eighth F1 title last season as he lost out to nemesis Max Verstappen. The championship was decided in controversial style at last month’s season-ending contest in Abu Dhabi after the Briton had led for most of the Grand Prix.

Hamilton appeared to be out of the F1 title race after falling well behind Verstappen with four races remaining.

But the Mercedes driver won in Brazil, Qatar and Saudi Arabia as the duo went into the final Grand Prix of the season level pegging.

Hamilton quickly took the lead in the desert decider despite starting behind Verstappen and looked destined for glory until Nicholas Latifi crashed into a wall and a safety car was deployed late on.

Verstappen pitted for new tyres during the delay and was then allowed to pull level with Hamilton for the restart of the race after five cars had been given permission to move clear of the two protagonists.

And the race was ultimately decided by a one-lap shootout as Verstappen made the most of his fresh tyres to romp to victory.

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The result brought an end to Hamilton’s four-year winning streak as Verstappen tasted glory for the first time.

The manner of the defeat has left a bitter taste in Hamilton’s mouth and there has been talk of him turning his back on the sport ahead of the new season.

But he is contracted with Mercedes for the next two years and could now be hungrier than ever to land that record-breaking title next season.

And the 37-year-old might call upon his experience of the last time he saw the F1 trophy finding its way to a different home to ensure he comes back stronger.

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On that occasion, it was Mercedes rival Nico Rosberg who got the better of Hamilton in 2016.

Rosberg looked well out of sight by the autumn after enjoying a sensational season for the Silver Arrows.

Hamilton won the last four races of the season as he looked to come out on top. But it wasn’t enough as Rosberg was crowned champion.

Following the final race in 2016, Hamilton remained in good spirits, despite his obvious disappointment.

During an interview with Channel 4, he admitted he did all he could throughout the tough season. And he vowed to win more titles in the future.

“Pretty good generally,” Hamilton responded when asked how he was feeling.

“I did my job and did everything I needed to do this weekend and got the pole position and won the last four races – had more wins than everyone this year. I did everything I could.

“Providing in the following years we’re [Hamilton and Rosberg] given equal cars, there are more championships to win.”

Hamilton’s confidence was clearly a self-fulfilling prophecy. Normal service was resumed the following season and the Silver Arrows ace didn’t lose a single championship title until Verstappen got the better of him in 2021.

So surely, next season can’t come quick enough for Hamilton.

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