Hamilton: Verstappen can be proud of 'amazing' F1 season

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Lewis Hamilton commended rival Max Verstappen for his "amazing" 2022 season, saying the two-time world champion can be "proud" of his achievements.

Verstappen wrapped up the 2022 title in Japan last month with four races to spare, capping a season during which the Dutchman made the most of Red Bull's new-generation car.

The championship initially looked like a two-way battle between Verstappen and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, but missteps by the Scuderia coupled with flawless performances by the Red Bull/Verstappen duo eventually left the ladder in a league of their own.

Recently, Verstappen took aim at Hamilton, suggesting his arch-rival hasn't shown him the respect he deserves, especially since last year's title fight and its controversial end in Abu Dhabi.

"People have told me that he doesn’t use my name," Verstappen said. "I was always taught that you have to respect what people have achieved in sport.

"I have no problem with what Lewis has achieved. He is one of the best ever. I think you have to acknowledge the person has done an amazing job as well."

And Hamilton has done just that ahead of this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix, tipping his hat to Verstappen's accomplishments this year.

"I can't say that I've had time to study every aspect of what Max has done this year, but I think he's done an amazing job," Hamilton told the media in Sao Paulo.

"He's done everything he had to do.

"The team provided him with an amazing car, and he's delivered pretty much every weekend."

"He can be proud of the job he's done, I know what it feels to be in a position like that."

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In Mexico last time out, Verstappen clinched his fourteenth win of the season, breaking the record he co-held with Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel for the greatest number of wins in a single season.

For all his praise of his adversary, Hamilton wants to put an end to the Dutchman's run of victories.

"He's got a chance to win more races, the next two races, so he could take that record even further if we can't stop him or Ferrari can't stop him," said the Mercedes driver.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.