Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, two of the brightest talents in recent Formula 1 history, engaged in a fiercely contested championship battle in 2021 that captivated fans worldwide. Verstappen recently shared his thoughts on whether he misses the intense on-track rivalry that defined that season.
In the 2021 season, Lewis Hamilton was at the height of his powers, fresh off securing his record-breaking seventh world championship the previous year. Max Verstappen, by contrast, emerged as a potent challenger aiming to end Hamilton’s dominance. Both Red Bull and Mercedes had highly competitive cars, and throughout the season, their drivers frequently clashed on the track, often delivering thrilling and contentious moments.
The title fight remained neck and neck until the season’s dramatic conclusion, with Verstappen and Hamilton entering the final race level on points. Ultimately, Verstappen claimed the championship under contentious circumstances involving a late Safety Car intervention, sparking widespread debate.
Verstappen’s Perspective on Battling Hamilton
When asked whether he misses those hard-fought battles with Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen described the word “missing” as too strong. Instead, he expressed respect for the intense competition they shared at that time.
“Missing is a very strong term. I appreciate the battle that I had at that time.”
—Max Verstappen, quoted by GPBlog
Since that thrilling 2021 season, Verstappen continued to build his legacy with Red Bull, securing three more World Championships, while Hamilton has not been in genuine contention for the title. The Dutch driver’s dominance has grown markedly, shifting the dynamic between the two rivals.
Verstappen’s Journey Through Recent Seasons and 2024 Success
Following their 2021 duel, Verstappen faced less dramatic opposition. In 2022, he clinched his second world title at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, capitalizing on Charles Leclerc’s fading challenge midway through the season. The 2023 campaign saw Verstappen deliver a dominant performance, shattering records by winning 19 races in a single season.
Despite a strong start to the 2024 season with several victories, Verstappen experienced a period without wins, placing him on the defensive for part of the year. However, he ultimately secured his fourth world title by surpassing McLaren’s Lando Norris in points.
“2024 is a season that I am very proud of, certainly in terms of how we manage things and how we optimize the performance of the car, but for me, every championship has a meaning special, of course.”
—Max Verstappen
Verstappen highlighted the collaborative effort with Red Bull in extracting peak performance from the car throughout the 2024 season. He emphasized that every championship victory holds its own significance, underscoring the dedication required for such achievements.
Enduring Dominance Despite Emerging Challenges
Max Verstappen’s trajectory exemplifies sustained excellence in Formula 1. Regardless of off-track controversies, the 27-year-old has consistently demonstrated superior skill. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris have struggled to match Verstappen’s pace and consistency during his championship streaks.
Nonetheless, the 2025 season has proven more challenging due to car performance issues that hindered Verstappen’s ability to compete at the front. This development signals a potential shift in the competitive landscape going forward.
As Verstappen reflects on past rivalries and current triumphs, the hope remains that future seasons will once again bring fierce competition to the forefront of Formula 1.
