JUST IN : Jos Verstappen issues CONTROVERSIAL 2021 statement

Jos Verstappen issues CONTROVERSIAL Abu Dhabi 2021 statement

Jos Verstappen, the father of Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen, has made a controversial statement regarding his son’s victory at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Max’s dramatic overtake of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton during the final lap of the race, which secured his first-ever World Championship, remains one of the most talked-about moments in recent F1 history. The race, however, was not without its contentious moments, particularly surrounding the decisions made by then-race director Michael Masi.

Under safety car conditions, Masi’s controversial decision allowed all the lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to un-lap themselves, effectively putting Verstappen directly behind Hamilton with just one lap left to race. This decision sparked outrage among many, including Hamilton’s team principal Toto Wolff and the British driver himself, who felt that the rules had been applied inconsistently. For many fans and pundits, the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP remains a source of division, with some seeing the result as controversial and unfair.

Despite the heated debate surrounding that title, Verstappen has gone on to secure three additional World Championships, establishing himself as one of the most successful and dominant drivers in the history of the sport. His subsequent achievements have overshadowed the controversy of the 2021 season, with Max’s performance in the years since solidifying his legacy. However, Jos Verstappen recently shared his thoughts on his son’s first World Championship and its significance, admitting that the circumstances in which the title was won were “special.”

Speaking to F1 Insider, the elder Verstappen acknowledged the controversy surrounding the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP but emphasized the importance of every title, especially the first. “Every title is special and valuable, the best is always the first,” he said, underlining that despite the turbulent end to the season, the victory remains significant for Max. Jos did not shy away from recognizing that the title win had a particular level of importance, especially in light of the dramatic events that unfolded during the race.

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked a historic turning point in Max Verstappen’s career. After a season-long battle with Hamilton, the final race of the season had everything—drama, controversy, and an unforgettable last-lap showdown. While some, including Mercedes and Hamilton supporters, view the outcome with resentment due to the race director’s decision, Jos Verstappen’s comments seem to reflect a pragmatic view, acknowledging that in the world of motorsport, such moments, though controversial, remain part of the legacy.

Looking back, it’s clear that the 2021 title was just the beginning for Max Verstappen. His subsequent dominance in Formula 1 has led many to view him as one of the sport’s all-time greats, with the 2021 championship standing as a landmark moment in his rise to prominence. Despite the controversy that still lingers around that particular race, Jos Verstappen’s reflections highlight the emotional weight attached to the first championship victory.