Max Verstappen's 2021 Formula 1 season was the culmination of years of development and raw talent, delivering his first Drivers' World Championship in a campaign defined by relentless pressure and a direct rivalry with Lewis Hamilton.
Going in
Red Bull Racing entered the 2021 season with a palpable sense of anticipation. After years of Mercedes dominance in the turbo-hybrid era, the RB16B, powered by Honda, showed promising pace in pre-season testing. The team had made a strategic driver change, bringing in Sergio Pérez to replace Alexander Albon — 2021 season, aiming for a more consistent second car to support Verstappen's championship bid and challenge Mercedes in the Constructors' standings. Verstappen himself, having matured significantly since his debut in 2015, was widely regarded as a championship contender, poised to capitalize on any opportunity to break Mercedes' stranglehold.
How it played out
The season immediately unfolded into a direct, often acrimonious, duel between Verstappen and Hamilton. Verstappen secured an early lead in the championship, demonstrating the RB16B's strength on various circuit types. Key victories in Monaco, France, and Austria (twice) underscored his and Red Bull's competitive edge. However, the mid-season saw a shift in momentum, notably after the British Grand Prix, where a high-speed collision with Hamilton resulted in a significant points loss for Verstappen. Further incidents, including another collision at Monza, punctuated the intense rivalry. Throughout this period, Sergio Pérez played a crucial role in strategic support, often holding up Hamilton or other Mercedes drivers to aid Verstappen's race. The championship lead swung back and forth, with both drivers displaying exceptional performance under immense pressure. Verstappen consistently out-qualified Pérez, often by a significant margin, reinforcing his position as the team's spearhead. The latter part of the season saw Verstappen and Hamilton enter the final race level on points, a rare occurrence in modern F1.
Defining moments
Several incidents defined the 2021 season. The Bahrain Grand Prix, the opening race, set the tone with a close battle and a controversial track limits decision. The British Grand Prix at Silverstone saw a 51G impact for Verstappen after contact with Hamilton, a moment that escalated the rivalry. The Italian Grand Prix at Monza featured another collision, with both drivers retiring. The Brazilian Grand Prix showcased Verstappen's aggressive defensive driving, leading to further controversy regarding track limits. However, the most defining moment arrived at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. A late-race safety car, followed by a contentious decision by race control to allow only certain lapped cars to unlap themselves, set up a final lap shootout. On fresher soft tyres, Verstappen overtook Hamilton to secure the race win and, critically, his first Formula 1 World Championship.