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Max Verstappen would rather not relive the sensational climax of the 2021 season. At that time, he clinched the world title in the final round of the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi, at the expense of Lewis Hamilton. “I don’t need to experience that Sunday again, preferably not, because I fear a heart attack for myself,” Max Verstappen jokes.
Max, what does your personal F1 top three moments look like?
Max Verstappen: “Barcelona 2016, of course. My first victory in Formula 1, in my first race for Red Bull. My fondest memory of that particular weekend is the moment on the podium when I looked down, saw my father and Raymond standing there, and realized: We did it! Because this was always the dream. I also remember that I didn’t sleep much the night after the race. I had a bit too much water, haha.”
“I didn’t expect that victory at all. I was new to the team and there had been some criticism of my promotion to Red Bull beforehand because people thought it was all too soon. I was very emotional shortly after the race. I’m not naturally an emotional type, but what I felt after the race was very close to crying.”
Very intense
“The second moment is Abu Dhabi 2021. I don’t need to experience that Sunday again, preferably not, because I fear a heart attack for myself. The entire season was very intense with a climax in the last round of the last race.”
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Reflecting on Memorable Races and Seasons
“Well, I don’t need to see myself on the big screen in the future. But that entire season was very intense, with two teams pushing to their limits. That’s something to admire and it’s good for the sport. Two teams making so few mistakes throughout an entire season, that was quite beautiful and special.”
He adds with a laugh, “Especially if you’ve won, it makes the conversation a bit more enjoyable.”
Reliving the Glory from the Couch
Recalling the Thrilling Rain Race in Brazil 2024
“No, not during the race. The championship tension was too high. I couldn’t afford a misstep. I don’t always rewatch all the races in full, but I did sit down to watch this one again when I got home to Monaco. Mainly because as a driver, you don’t always get to see everything that’s happening around you during the race.”
How Do You Rewatch Races? With a Drink and a Bag of Chips on the Couch?
“Yes, something like that. Or in the simulator, I’ve also rewatched it that way.”
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