F1 News: Mercedes' Chief Finally Admitted Regret Over Verstappen...read more

F1 News: Mercedes’ Chief Finally Admitted Regret Over Verstappen…read more

Mercedes’ chief communications officer, Bradley Lord, has admitted that the team regrets the way they handled the aftermath of Max Verstappen’s crash during the 2021 British Grand Prix. The incident, which became one of the most contentious moments in the fiercely competitive title battle between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, significantly strained relations between Red Bull Racing and Mercedes.

The flashpoint occurred on the opening lap at Silverstone, with Hamilton making an aggressive move down the inside of Copse corner. The resulting contact with Verstappen’s right-rear tyre sent the Red Bull driver spinning into the barriers at high speed, ending his race and triggering a red flag. Verstappen was taken to the hospital for precautionary checks but escaped serious injury.

The incident sparked a war of words between the two teams, with Red Bull accusing Hamilton of reckless driving and Mercedes defending their driver’s move. Tensions escalated further when Hamilton went on to win the race despite receiving a 10-second time penalty for the collision. The Silver Arrows’ celebrations, including a jubilant Hamilton waving the British flag after his victory, were viewed by Red Bull as inappropriate given Verstappen’s hospital visit.

Reflecting on the events, Lord acknowledged that Mercedes could have handled the situation with more sensitivity. “Looking back, we recognize that the handling of the situation at Silverstone could have been better. It was an incredibly intense moment in a high-pressure title fight, but there are things we could have approached differently to maintain better relations between the teams,” he said.

The 2021 season was one of the most dramatic in Formula 1 history, with numerous flashpoints and controversies culminating in a controversial finale in Abu Dhabi. While Mercedes and Red Bull have since moved on from the rivalry’s peak, the legacy of the 2021 British Grand Prix continues to be a topic of debate among fans and pundits.

Lord’s comments reflect an acknowledgment of the lessons learned from that turbulent season, as both teams strive to maintain a professional and competitive relationship in the years to come.