In a stunning and deeply personal revelation, three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has opened up for the first time in a decade about the one race that still lingers in his mind — a moment that shaped the trajectory of his career and, in his own words, “changed how I saw the sport forever.”
Now 37, Verstappen has largely kept a low profile since his sudden retirement following his third world title in 2023, walking away from Red Bull Racing at the peak of his dominance. But during a rare and highly anticipated appearance on the Driven Beyond Limits documentary series, the Dutch legend broke his long silence — and sent the motorsport world into a frenzy.
“There’s one race I think about more than any other,” Verstappen admitted, seated in a minimalist studio, wearing a quiet, reflective expression. “And no, it’s not a win. It’s the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.”
The controversial race — the one that sealed his first world title over Lewis Hamilton in dramatic, unprecedented circumstances — remains one of the most talked-about moments in Formula 1 history. The decision to allow certain lapped cars to unlap themselves under the safety car sparked global debate and fundamentally altered the course of the championship.
“I know what that race meant to people,” Verstappen said. “To fans, to the sport, to Hamilton… even to those who don’t watch F1. And for years, I didn’t want to talk about it. I let the noise speak for itself. But the truth is, I’d replay that race—not to change the result, but to relive what it felt like. Because in that moment, everything was on a knife edge.”
The victory made Verstappen the first Dutch driver to win a Formula 1 title and launched a period of dominance that saw him clinch back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023 with almost mechanical efficiency. But that first title, he admits, carried the most weight — and the deepest mix of pride and pressure.
“I knew that race would define how people saw me. Some said I didn’t deserve it. Others called it destiny. What they didn’t see was the cost. The intensity of it. The aftermath. For months after, I wasn’t celebrating — I was just surviving.”
When asked why he chose now to open up, Verstappen said he wanted to speak directly to the next generation of drivers and fans who only know him as a name in the record books.
“I’ve watched young talent come up — drivers who are fearless, hungry. And I want them to know: the hardest part isn’t winning. It’s waking up the next day and wondering what it all means. If this helps one of them handle the pressure better, then it’s worth it.”
The interview sparked an immediate reaction online. Within hours, hashtags like #Max2021, #VerstappenSpeaks, and #F1Unfiltered were trending worldwide. Even Lewis Hamilton posted a brief statement on Instagram: “Respect to Max. Time gives us all perspective.”
As speculation swirls about a possible return—either as a mentor, team principal, or even a wildcard driver—Verstappen remained vague.
“I’m not done with racing,” he smiled. “Just done with pretending it didn’t affect me.”
In one quiet, powerful interview, Max Verstappen reminded the world that even legends carry the weight of their legacy—and sometimes, the silence says more than the podium ever could.