I lost. I lost. Those are the only thought going through Lewis' mind. This was my chance to win my 8th championship. Will I ever be better than Michael? Will people ever acknowledge me as a great driver?Lewis's thoughts are clouded with negatively. What else is expected from a man losing the world championship. Even if he already won seven of them.

There are some things said over the team radio, but Lewis doesn't process it. He is too deep in his own thoughts.

Could I have won if I did more sim work or if I focused more on the data sheets? The race in Monaco was probably a big influence in not winning today. Is this the end of my racing career? Maybe don't think about that now. Okay Lewis, we are going to congratulate Max and you are going to keep strong. Tonight we can think about the future.

Lewis drives the cooling down lap real slow. The longer it takes, the longer he doesn't have to face other people. He sees the pit lane entry and knows he can't ride past it. With dread in his stomach he parks the car after the number 2 sign.

Lewis gets out of the car and walks over to Max. He looks so happy. "Congratulation's mate. Enjoy it." Lewis tries to smile, but it comes out a little broken. Max gives him a hug and says "Thank you and let's make next year's battle just as sensational." Lewis gives him one last smile before walking off.

Lewis walks to the microphone. He doesn't really listen to the question; they are always the same. He just answers with; "Firstly, a big congratulation to Max and his team. I think we did an amazing job this year, we worked so hard. We gave it everything, we never gave up and that's the most important thing"

Those words were said to him this morning during a debrief. The pr team was prepared for all different scenarios. So also for the possibility that he lost. The speeches were a lot alike. Both ended with; we never gave up. Saying it out loud feels strange. Maybe if Lewis keep repeating it, he himself will believe it too.

"Okay that is checker flag, p11. Good last lap." " Yeahhh... Thank you." Sebastian answers his engineer Tim not really interested in his own resulted. After he was allowed to unlap himself he wants to know if Lewis held Max behind him. "So after the restart and you unlapped.." "Can you tell me who won?" Sebastian interrupt Tim. "Ehmm..." Tim starts a little taken back why Sebastian doesn't what to know more about the lap. "Anyway Max won."

Sebastian is happy for Max. He still remembers the first time winning with Red Bull. But the thought of a sad Lewis, hurts him. Lewis really deserved to win his 8th championship. He wants to go to Lewis, but he can't see him anywhere. He does see max though. Congratulating him won't hurt, right?

"You probably heard this a couple of times already, but good job this season." Sebastian says to Max "You are actually the only one to phrase it like that." Max answers, which makes Seb chuckle. "Maybe a little weird to ask you but have you seen Lewis?" "Ehm. Not really. Are you going to check up on him? I think he needs you."

Seb didn't expect that answer. "Yeah, I wanted to talk with him. You think he needs me? Why would you say that?" "He just lost the championship. He needs someone he loves right now." Max thinks Lewis loves me?

"Winning made you sound like an old man." Max lets out a loud laugh. "Look out with what you say, otherwise people won't come to you for advice anymore." "When that happen, it will snow in August." Both laughing about this unaspexted conversation. "Max, please enjoy this feeling and don't worry about Lewis. I will look after him."

Sebastian can't find Lewis, since he is already waiting close to the podium. Thankfully he isn't alone, his father is with him. "Son, I am so proud of you." However sweet his words were meant, it made Lewis only sadder.

He feels like he let everybody down. His fans, the team, his family and most important, himself. He let himself down. I can really use a hug from Seb right now. Sweet, beautiful, and caring Seb. "Hey Angela, how much time do we have left before the podium ceremony starts?" "It should have started already, but we are waiting for... Never mind there he is. So, no time." Shit I really wanted to see Seb.

The podium ceremony starts with announcing the driver who came thirth. "This isn't only his 6th podium, but he also finishes 5th in the championship of 2021. Can I have a big applause for the driver racing with the number 55; Carlos Sainz!"

"We are going to focus on the positive. This driver had an incredible race and season. Maybe he didn't break the record this year, but he is certainly going to try doing that next year. Give it up for the driver who finish second today; Lewis Hamilton!"

Am I really going to try again next year? Okay Lewis, not now, it is time to go on the podium. Be strong and smile. You can do this. Lewis walks to the number two step and waves around a little.

He sees Carlos watching him with sympathy written all over his face. Lewis gives him a head nod with a little smile. Carlos smiles a little after that. I am curious what for speech they made for Max. Have they also made a speech for when I would have won today? How would that one go?

"Last but not least; the winner of this race. This racer drives with the number 33 but not for long. He has fought as hard as a lion this season and it paid off. He already was the most successful Dutch formula 1 driver nonetheless with winning today he makes it harder and harder for Dutch drivers to ever surpass him. I am pleased to introduce you to our race winner and world champion; MAX VERSTAPPEN!"

Lewis keeps clapping his hands while Max jumps on the podium. He hopes that this shows his respect for the young driver. If it wasn't the case that he lost the championship today, he would have been impressed of what this youthful driver has accomplished.

Seeing Max in his Red Bull gear, with the championship trophy and being in Abu Dahbi makes Lewis thinks of Seb. The happy German that could always light up the room with one of his bad dad jokes. Max holds the trophy in the air exactly the same as Sebastian would. Thinking about one of his best friends makes Lewis smile. It makes this hard moment a little easier.

Lewis and Sebastian are friends for a long time. Lewis can't really remember when they started being friends. He stills remembers racing against Sebastian in formula 3 euroseries back in 2005. It isn't like they become friends then, but Sebastian did made a impression. He still has the same sweet big smile. After that year Lewis didn't see him for a couple of years. The moment he became aware of Sebastian again it was one of the best days of Sebastian's racing careers. It was Italy 14 September 2008, the day Sebastian won his first formula 1 grand prix.

The smile Sebastian had on the podium was the most beautiful smile Lewis had ever seen. That night Lewis went to Sebastian celebration party. Lewis doesn't really remember much of the night. Just that Sebastian and he started talking. After Sebastian started talking to Lewis whenever they saw each other in the paddock. Thinking about it, maybe that night is when they became friends.

Sebastian watches the podium ceremony in the media box. Britta is still busy finding which broadcasters wants to speak with Sebastian. Her Wi-Fi isn't working. "That's it. Tonight I am switching from provider." It makes Seb chuckle. "That is what you said last week." "I have just been busy alright. Managing your media image isn't an easy job." "Then why does every press officer envy you because you have me." "Don't flatter yourself. Come on, I have the list. We are going first to the Ziggo interviewers."

Lewis walks off the podium and goes to his dad. "Happy you are still here dad." "Where else would I be? I don't have any media duty's." Lewis smiles a little at his dad. Angela interrupts them "You maybe don't, but Lew does. Unfortunately." "I won't keep him busy any longer Angela, but let's have dinner tonight in my room son." "I would like that very much." He hugs his father goodbye, before leaving with Angela to the media box.

"It almost hurts me to ask about your race Lewis, but how did you experience it?" "It was an intense race. Of course not starting on pole position made the start so much more imported for me. I was so happy that I could make up for it and was the first person going in the first corner. I tried everything to also be the first person to come over the finish line. But we all know that didn't happen." Chuckles Lewis, trying to laugh at his own joke. "But yeah there happened a lot this race. I think I need some time to process it all." With that Lewis walks away.

Sebastian is doing on interview. "The commutation in this race was a little less than normal. We were a little experimenting....." He sees Lewis for the first time this day. He really wants to walk over to him. " Mr. Vettel you were saying something about experimenting." Sebastian didn't realize he stopped talking and was fully focused on Lewis. "Ehm Yeah. We wanted to see if less commutation would influence my driving performance." I will go over Lewis' tonight.