Verstappen: I fear a heart attack reliving 2021 Abu Dhabi GP

The Red Bull driver secured his maiden title at the end of a fiercely contested season against Lewis Hamilton, which was decided in dramatic and controversial fashion at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

In an interview with Formule1 magazine, Verstappen said: “I don’t want to experience that Sunday again, I’d rather not, because I would fear a heart attack for myself. The whole season was very intense with a showdown in the last lap of the last race.”

Both drivers arrived at the final race level on points. Hamilton led the majority of the race and was on course for a record-breaking eighth title until a crash by Nicholas Latifi brought out the Safety Car with five laps to go.

Then-Race Director Michael Masi instructed only the lapped cars between Verstappen and Hamilton to unlap themselves. That decision, which contradicted established procedure, created a one-lap sprint to the finish.

On fresher tyres, Verstappen overtook Hamilton to win the race and the championship. Mercedes immediately lodged a protest, which was dismissed by the stewards.

The FIA later acknowledged that human error had occurred and initiated changes to race control, including Masi’s departure and revised Safety Car rules introduced for 2022.

Verstappen said he has no desire to watch any cinematic retelling of that season, despite rumours that the 2021 campaign could one day be adapted into a film. “Well, I don't need to see myself in the cinema later. But that whole season was very intense, with two teams that went to the limit.

"And that is something you have to admire, and that is good for the sport. Two teams that made so few mistakes for a whole season, that was really beautiful and special," recalled Max.

The ending sparked debate that continues to this day. Many critics pointed to inconsistencies in how the FIA applied its own rules. However, few within the paddock or the wider public placed blame on Verstappen himself. He did not influence Masi’s call, but he executed the opportunity perfectly.

History will always show that Verstappen claimed the race and the title in the final moments of what many still regard as the greatest Formula 1 championship battle that has ever been.