In a mesmerizing twist of fate, the narrative of Formula 1 has seen a remarkable transformation, with Max Verstappen, the current dominator, once playing the role of the determined pursuer to Lewis Hamilton’s reign just a few seasons ago in 2020.
During the era where Hamilton reigned supreme atop the F1 hierarchy, Verstappen, among others, fervently sought to bridge the gap to the seven-time world champion. It was in those moments that the Red Bull prodigy voiced his thoughts on the sport’s dependency on machinery. Verstappen, while lauding Hamilton’s prowess, candidly acknowledged the crucial role played by the car in F1’s landscape. With utmost respect, he underscored Hamilton’s stature while remarking that even if the stars aligned for the Brit, he remained mortal, not divine.
Verstappen’s prophetic analysis came to the fore in the exhilarating 2021 F1 season, an epochal chapter in the sport’s history. A gripping saga unfolded as Verstappen and Hamilton locked horns in an electrifying battle. Both drivers and their respective teams stood on equal footing, pushing the limits of performance to such an extent that the coveted title hung in the balance until the final lap of the concluding race.
“Of course, it is very car-dependent in Formula 1. Lewis is very good. He is definitely one of the best out there. He is not God, maybe God is with him, but he is not God. When you can put the pressure on it is a lot harder for the guy in the lead. If he never really has pressure, he can drive at 97 or 98 per cent and then you never make mistakes,” Verstappen was quoted as saying by The Standard back in 2020.
“Lewis is very good. He is definitely one of the best out there, but he’s not God. Maybe God is with him, but he is not God.”
– Max Verstappen on Lewis Hamilton, 3rd of February 2020.
— Dudu | #V3RSTAPPEN ☆☆☆ (@_UnknownOrbit) July 7, 2022
Verstappen also hoped that one day he would be able to close the gap with Mercedes and start mounting pressure on the title race.
“If we start the season within two tenths (of Mercedes), we can mount the pressure. I am looking forward to when we get that fight and if we are really close I am pretty sure we can do better,” he added.
The season, however, was clouded by controversies stemming from decisions made by the former FIA race director Michael Masi. Despite the contentious moments, the entirety of the season etched its place among the annals of F1 history as one of the most riveting chapters. It culminated in Verstappen seizing his maiden world championship, a testament to his unwavering determination and skill.
As the dust settled and the confetti adorned Verstappen’s triumph, the saga showcased the evolution of a prodigious talent, from chasing greatness to ascending the pinnacle of F1’s elite echelon.
