Max Verstappen is inarguably one of the most talented racing drivers Formula 1 has ever witnessed, having defeated the mighty Lewis Hamilton in 2021. The duo engaged in what was possibly the most breathtaking title rivalry of all time, with the element of uncertainty revolving around the motorsport community until the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
However, to this very day, a majority of the fans remain skeptical about the end result of that particular campaign. There is no denying that both Hamilton and Verstappen pushed each other to the extent of cracking under pressure, but, neither of them budged, which subsequently paved the way for a highly competitive battle.
Unfortunately, the controversial anti-climatic ending in Abu Dhabi managed to ruin the steam that had accumulated over the season, leaving the fans and even drivers like Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo with an unsatisfactory feeling. But, does the Red Bull prodigy carry a similar perspective to what is considered one of the best seasons of the 21st century?
Not at all. The two-time world champion reckoned that the result is all that matters, and hence, isn’t too bothered about the shenanigans that unfolded off the track. He further admitted that his entire focus is on the future.
Max Verstappen will look back at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP post-retirement
As reported by X account, Redbulletin, Verstappen admitted he prefers staying in the present and isn’t too keen on looking back at incidents or moments from the past. “No, I don’t look back at [Abu Dhabi]. I know I won. Usually, it’s friends who like to see that again. I don’t have much with it now. Maybe later, when I’ve stopped,” he reportedly told Telegraaf.
🗣️ | Max on focusing on the moment, not looking back to his past victories
“No, I don’t look back at [Abu Dhabi 2020]. I know I won. Usually it’s friends who like to see that again”
“I don’t have much with it now. Maybe later, when I’ve stopped. In the months after that race in… pic.twitter.com/okb4EMdmLU
— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) August 22, 2023
“In the months after that race in Abu Dhabi I looked back a bit, but at some point I only look ahead This season it may all look easy for the viewer, but I’m completely in that focus and I’m only working on the next game. And outside of F1, sim racing also takes a lot of time. Then I’m analyzing there again and finding the right adjustment. I much prefer to do that than look back at my own races or moments.”
Overall, Verstappen has since embraced a more dominant spell with the defending world champions and is looking to keep the momentum going for years to come. However, amid the impending engine regulation changes in 2025, can the Dutchman keep the flare alive beyond the halfway point of this decade?