Max Verstappen has admitted to showing uncharacteristic nerves ahead of the controversial 2021 Formula 1 championship decider in Abu Dhabi.

The Dutchman went into the final race of the season tied on points with rival Lewis Hamilton in what turned out to be one of the most dramatic title deciders in the history of the sport.

Although the Dutchman eventually claimed his first title, Hamilton came close to securing a record eighth world championship.

For most of the race, Hamilton was on course to claim that accolade as he dominated from the start, but a late safety car ended any hopes of winning the title.

The 2021 Abu Dhabi GP was a controversial race

Verstappen on Abu Dhabi 2021 title battle

A crash for Nicholas Latifi brought out the safety car late on, leaving Hamilton out on his old tyres while Verstappen pitted for fresh ones.

Max Verstappen won the title in 2021

The controversy arose after race director Michael Masi allowed one more lap of the race, even though not all cars had lapped, in defiance of official FIA rules.

Verstappen went on to take the title in a race that made F1 history, but the now four-time world champion has expressed rare concern about the defining moment of his career.

“For me, to relive my first title, like that day, I think I would die of a heart attack,” he said on The Talking Bull Podcast.

Max Verstappen talks about Abu Dhabi 2021

“Because I remember the people who saw me that day, especially my girlfriend Kelly, who came into my room before the race, and normally before a race I’m not that nervous.

“I mean, you’re well prepared and there may be some nerves about wanting to do it right… but she said her hands were frozen. So again, you don’t really want to relive these kinds of moments. I mean they’re amazing to watch, but not to relive.”