Max Verstappen reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of his 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix victory, admitting that reliving those moments would be overwhelmingly stressful. The Dutch driver won his first Formula 1 World Championship in a dramatic and controversial finish against Lewis Hamilton, a duel that defined the entire season’s intensity and left a lasting impact on the sport.
The 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi remains one of the most talked-about events in Formula 1 history due to the last-lap safety car incident that altered the championship’s outcome. Verstappen’s win was deeply contested, resulting in significant debate and the eventual removal of then-race director Michael Masi. Despite the triumph and achieving his lifelong goal, Verstappen now reveals he would not want to relive the night’s tension, fearing its physical toll on him.
Verstappen Reflects on the Stress and Emotion of That Night
After his victory in Abu Dhabi that secured the championship, Verstappen spoke honestly about how intense the experience felt. Although it was a defining moment in his career, he expressed concerns about the intense stress and adrenaline surge associated with the event. The 27-year-old champion confessed that undergoing such an emotional and physical ordeal again could seriously affect his health.
“I don’t want to experience that Sunday again, I’d rather not, because I would fear a heart attack for myself.” —Max Verstappen, Driver
This candid admission highlights the immense pressure drivers endure, especially during such high-stakes encounters. Verstappen said that the emotions experienced that night were unlike anything he’d want to face again, underscoring the immense mental and physical demands of competing at the highest level under extreme circumstances.
The 2021 Season’s Intensity and Rivalry with Hamilton
Verstappen also recounted the entire 2021 season, describing it as a fiercely competitive battle that reached its climax on the final lap of the last race. Both he and Lewis Hamilton pushed their teams to extraordinary limits throughout the season, with the championship hanging in balance until the very last moment. Hamilton was pursuing a record-breaking eighth world title, which added an extra layer of drama to their rivalry.
“The whole season was very intense with a showdown in the last lap of the last race.” —Max Verstappen, Driver
Despite the controversy surrounding the final moments, Verstappen emphasized how thrilling and significant the season-long battle was for Formula 1. The relentless competition between Red Bull and Mercedes created one of the sport’s most memorable title duels, keeping fans on edge right through to the very end.
Looking Back on a ‘Beautiful and Special’ Season
Although the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP sparked ongoing debate in the motorsport community, Verstappen and Hamilton maintained mutual respect without any personal grudges. Verstappen described the entire championship season as extraordinary not only because of its outcome but for the high level of performance and consistency demonstrated by both teams.
He remarked on the rare quality of a battle where two teams pushed themselves to the brink without many mistakes, producing a truly remarkable season for fans and competitors alike.
“Well, I don’t need to see myself in the cinema later! But that whole season was very intense, with two teams that went to the limit. And that is something you have to admire, and that is good for the sport. Two teams that made so few mistakes for a whole season, that was really beautiful and special.” —Max Verstappen, Driver
This acknowledgment shows Verstappen’s respect for the competition and the significance of the 2021 season in Formula 1 history. The fierce rivalry between Red Bull and Mercedes elevated the championship to new heights and is considered a defining moment for the sport.
Verstappen’s Career Since the Controversial Title Win
Since clinching his first championship in 2021, Max Verstappen has continued to dominate Formula 1, securing three more world titles and numerous victories. While he has faced challenges this year and is currently trailing in the championship standings, he remains confident about his prospects. Although winning a fifth drivers’ championship might not match the emotional intensity of his first, it would still represent a major personal and professional achievement for the reigning champion.
His ability to stay focused and optimistic demonstrates his maturity and commitment to maintaining his status at the top of the sport, even under immense pressure and expectations.
The Enduring Legacy of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP and Its Impact on Formula 1
The aftermath of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix led to significant changes within Formula 1, including the replacement of race director Michael Masi and revisions to how late-race restarts are managed. The controversy also sparked broader conversations about fairness and race governance in the sport.
Verstappen’s victory and the emotions tied to that moment continue to resonate with fans, highlighting the fine margins that define success at the elite level. His reflections provide rare insight into the emotional strain experienced by drivers in pressure-cooker situations, reminding observers of the human element behind the competition.
As the current season progresses, Verstappen’s journey remains a key storyline, blending his past triumphs with future ambitions. The legacy of the 2021 season will likely continue influencing Formula 1 regulations, rivalries, and fan discussions for years to come.
