Max Verstappen has fired back at the explosive claims made by former F1 team boss Guenther Steiner, who suggested that Lewis Hamilton should have been crowned an eight-time world champion after the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In a bold statement, Verstappen dismissed the notion that his title was unfairly won and expressed frustration over the ongoing debate.
Speaking to reporters, Verstappen firmly defended his victory: “I’ve heard all of this before, and honestly, I’m tired of it. People keep bringing up Abu Dhabi like it’s the only race that matters. It’s ridiculous. I won the championship because we fought hard all season long. One race doesn’t define everything.”
Hamilton was denied an eighth world title at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP
Verstappen won his first F1 world championship in controversial fashion
Steiner’s comments reignited the long-standing controversy surrounding the dramatic final race of the 2021 season, where race director Michael Masi’s contentious decision to allow only some lapped cars to un-lap themselves gave Verstappen a decisive advantage over Hamilton. On fresher tires, the Dutchman passed Hamilton on the last lap to clinch his first Formula 1 title. Steiner didn’t hold back in his criticism of the FIA’s handling of the situation. “It was a mess, plain and simple,” Steiner remarked. “If the rules had been followed properly, there’s no doubt Lewis would have been champion. The FIA needs to reflect on what happened that day.” Verstappen, however, was quick to shut down any talk of the title being stripped. “Look, the FIA made a decision, and that’s the end of it. Every driver has experienced bad calls, and we move on. If people can’t accept that, then maybe they’re not really watching the sport.”
Former Haas
F1 team principal Guenther Steiner
Despite the swirling controversy, Verstappen remains focused on his current season, where he’s on track to secure another world championship. “I’m here to race, not to talk about the past. I’ve proven myself on the track, and that’s what matters.”
As for Hamilton, he has yet to comment directly on Steiner’s claims, but he has previously spoken about the pain of the 2021 season. “It’s something that stays with you, but I’m focused on the future now. I’ve got more races to win, and that’s what I’m working towards.”
The debate over Abu Dhabi 2021 is far from over, with both sides steadfast in their positions. But for Verstappen, the only thing that matters is continuing to build on his success, regardless of the noise surrounding that infamous race.
