ADVERTISEMENT
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

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

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

“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.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Ferrari’s Qatar GP disaster: how ‘balloon’ tyre pressures deflated their F1 hopes
Motorsports

Ferrari’s Qatar GP disaster: how ‘balloon’ tyre pressures deflated their F1 hopes

Ferrari Faces Calamity in Qatar: A Nightmare Performance Linked to "Balloon" Tyre Pressures! In a shocking revelation that has left...

by James Taylor
December 1, 2025
Leonardo Fornaroli dominates F2 championship in Qatar: why is F1 opportunity slipping away?
Motorsports

Leonardo Fornaroli dominates F2 championship in Qatar: why is F1 opportunity slipping away?

F1's Future Star Shines Bright in Qatar: Leonardo Fornaroli Claims F2 Championship! In a thrilling turn of events at the...

by Carl Smith
December 1, 2025
Aston Martin gears up for 2026 F1 revolution: Newey-designed car launch set for February 9
Motorsports

Aston Martin gears up for 2026 F1 revolution: Newey-designed car launch set for February 9

Aston Martin Sets the Stage for a Formula 1 Revolution with Launch of Adrian Newey-Designed Car! In a thrilling announcement...

by Publisher
December 1, 2025
Oscar Piastri’s title dreams shattered: McLaren’s shocking Abu Dhabi GP decision leaves him sidelined
Motorsports

Oscar Piastri’s title dreams shattered: McLaren’s shocking Abu Dhabi GP decision leaves him sidelined

F1 Drama Unfolds: Oscar Piastri's Title Hopes Dashed as McLaren's New Rules Sideline Him at Abu Dhabi GP In a...

by Harry Bright
December 1, 2025

Recent News

Ferrari’s Qatar GP disaster: how ‘balloon’ tyre pressures deflated their F1 hopes

Ferrari’s Qatar GP disaster: how ‘balloon’ tyre pressures deflated their F1 hopes

December 1, 2025
Leonardo Fornaroli dominates F2 championship in Qatar: why is F1 opportunity slipping away?

Leonardo Fornaroli dominates F2 championship in Qatar: why is F1 opportunity slipping away?

December 1, 2025
Aston Martin gears up for 2026 F1 revolution: Newey-designed car launch set for February 9

Aston Martin gears up for 2026 F1 revolution: Newey-designed car launch set for February 9

December 1, 2025
Oscar Piastri’s title dreams shattered: McLaren’s shocking Abu Dhabi GP decision leaves him sidelined

Oscar Piastri’s title dreams shattered: McLaren’s shocking Abu Dhabi GP decision leaves him sidelined

December 1, 2025

Newsletter

ADVERTISEMENT

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.