Max Verstappen Would Fear Heart Attack If Iconic Moment Repeats

Max Verstappen recently spoke about the incredible pressure he faced during the 2021 Formula 1 season finale against Lewis Hamilton. That year’s championship came down to the very last race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Verstappen and Hamilton were even on points.

Looking back, Verstappen admitted the experience was almost too intense. He told Formule 1 magazine he would “fear a heart attack” if he had to relive that Sunday’s drama.

He described the entire 2021 season as extremely demanding, noting that the battle with Hamilton and Mercedes pushed both teams to the absolute limit. Verstappen called the contest “beautiful and special,” highlighting how few mistakes either team made throughout one of the closest seasons on record.

Since that dramatic finish, the 2021 season has been frequently discussed among fans and experts as one of the most memorable in the sport’s history. The possibility of a film portraying these high-stakes moments has even come up, but Verstappen quipped that he does not need to see himself on the big screen.

His focus remains firmly on competing and handling the unique challenges each season brings without prolonging past tension.

Aside from the 2021 title battle, Formula 1 continues to see tight competition across teams and drivers. Recent races feature stories like McLaren’s team order decisions involving drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, ongoing disputes at Red Bull between Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, and the ongoing form of Mercedes and Ferrari.

The 2025 driver standings have Oscar Piastri on top with 198 points, followed by Lando Norris with 176 and Verstappen close behind at 155. On the teams’ side, McLaren leads with 374 points as Mercedes and Ferrari chase.

Fans have plenty of action to follow, with major events like the Austrian Grand Prix at Red Bull Ring on June 29, Silverstone’s British round on July 6, Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on July 27, Hungaroring in Hungary on August 3, and Zandvoort in the Netherlands on August 31.

These circuits play host to fierce battles and bring fans closer to the sport’s biggest names and rising stars.

As the season continues, the focus is not only on race results but also on evolving team strategies, innovative car developments, and key moments that define each championship run. Verstappen’s reflection serves as a reminder of just how high the stakes can be at the top level of racing, and how each lap can change history.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.