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Max Verstappen Admits 2021 Abu Dhabi Title Decider Still Haunts Him

Redação by Redação
December 27, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Max Verstappen Admits 2021 Abu Dhabi Title Decider Still Haunts Him

Nov 20, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) during media availabilities at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Despite having secured his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Championship, Max Verstappen still shudders at the memory of his maiden title triumph in 2021. The Dutch driver, now a dominant force on the grid, revealed that the tension and controversy of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix left an indelible mark on him, one he has no desire to relive.


“The Day That Changed It All”

The 2021 season finale was a nail-biting showdown between Verstappen and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. With everything on the line, Verstappen capitalized on a late Safety Car and fresh tires to snatch the title in a dramatic last-lap battle. While it cemented his place among Formula 1’s elite, the race remains one of the most contentious moments in the sport’s history.

Reflecting on the high-stakes decider, Verstappen admitted the experience was so intense that he joked it could have fatal consequences if he had to endure it again.

“For me, reliving my first title, that day—I think I would die, honestly, of a heart attack. You don’t want to relive these moments. They’re amazing to look at, but not to go through again.”


“Nerves of Steel—Almost”

Verstappen is renowned for his composure on race day, often appearing laser-focused and unflappable. However, he confessed that the pressure before the Abu Dhabi showdown was unlike anything he had ever faced. Even his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, noticed his unusually cold demeanor before the race.

“I remember people that saw me that day, especially my girlfriend Kelly. She came to my room before the race. Normally, before a race, I’m not that nervous. You’re just well-prepared, and there might be some nerves that you want to do well. But she said my hands were ice cold.”

The usually confident Verstappen felt the weight of the moment, knowing the outcome would define not only his career but also the narrative of modern Formula 1.


“A Career Built on That Moment”

While Verstappen’s 2021 triumph was controversial—sparking heated debates among fans, analysts, and drivers—it marked the beginning of an era of dominance. Since that fateful day, Verstappen has gone on to secure three more world titles, rewriting the sport’s record books and establishing himself as the face of Formula 1’s current generation.

However, the Dutchman insists that he prefers to look back on the event rather than relive it, underscoring the toll it took on him emotionally.

“You don’t want to relive those moments, but they’re amazing to look at. That day was so unique, but the stress was just too much.”


“The Legacy of 2021”

As Verstappen continues his march toward even greater heights in Formula 1, the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains a pivotal chapter in his career. For fans, it’s a reminder of one of the most dramatic conclusions to a season in F1 history. For Verstappen, it’s a moment of immense pride and pressure—one he’s happy to leave in the past.

Now, as the four-time world champion prepares for the 2025 season, his focus is firmly on the future, even as the shadow of his first title looms large. For Verstappen, the thrill of victory is best savored in hindsight, far removed from the ice-cold hands and nerve-wracking tension of that unforgettable day.

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