Verstappen Reflects on 2021 Hamilton Showdown, Values All Four F1 Titles Distinctly

Max Verstappen Doesn't 'Miss' 2021 Hamilton Title Fight

Max Verstappen has clarified his feelings about the intense 2021 Formula 1 title battle against Lewis Hamilton, stating he doesn't "miss" it but deeply appreciates the experience. This reflection comes as he assesses his four championship triumphs.

Why it matters: The 2021 season finale was one of F1's most controversial and iconic moments, marking Verstappen's first title. His subsequent dominance has often overshadowed the memory of that razor-thin victory, prompting questions about its unique significance in his career.

The details:

• When asked by El Mundo Deportivo if he missed the battle with the seven-time world champion, Verstappen responded, "No. Missing is a very strong term. I appreciate the battle that I had at that time."
• The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concluded with a highly debated decision by then-race director Michael Masi, which allowed a final racing lap.
• Verstappen, on much fresher tires, overtook Hamilton on the last lap, securing his maiden F1 World Championship.

His dominance since:

• Following his 2021 victory, Verstappen has secured three more World Championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024, all with significantly larger margins than his first.
• The 2022 and 2023 seasons highlighted his supreme dominance, including a record-setting 19 wins two years ago.

What he's saying:

• Verstappen expressed pride in his 2024 season: "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."
• He emphasized that all his titles are unique: "It's different. All titles are different, and I think that's what makes them so beautiful."