Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s 2021 Abu Dhabi finale was a tale for ages. It was also perhaps the most controversial title decider in F1 history. Lewis Hamilton has now opened up about losing the title to arch- nemesis Max Verstappen on that fateful night in Abu Dhabi.

Verstappen started the race on pole position, but Lewis quickly took the lead of the race and led comfortably throughout However, a late safety car decision by then-race director Michael Masi allowed Max Verstappen to fight back and clinch the title in the final lap of the 2021 championship. The 7-time champion recently opened up about the incident in an interview with GQ.

“Was I robbed? Obviously. I mean, you know the story. But I think what was really beautiful in that moment, which I take away from it, was my dad was with me. And the day that it hurt the most, he was there, and the way he raised me was to always stand up, keep your head high.”

“I obviously went to congratulate Max, and not realizing the impact that that would have, but also I was really conscious of, like, there’s a mini-me watching. I was definitely conscious of: These next 50 meters that I walk is where I fall to the ground and die—or I rise up.”