Like every other race weekend, Max Verstappen went into the British GP weekend, being the star of the show. However, it was the McLaren boys who stole the limelight at Silverstone. The Woking outfit brought upgrades that put them on the first and second row in the race. This is exactly why Verstappen saw himself side by side with the rookie Oscar Piastri. A normal racing incident for many, however, in the mind of Verstappen, it was dredging up a horrific memory from the past. A painful memory, both literally and figuratively at the hands of Lewis Hamilton on the same track and same corner.

Formula 1 is an extremely dangerous sport that sadly sometimes turns fatal for the drivers. Despite the best efforts to make the sport safe, we have witnessed fatal accidents, even as recently as 2023. Keeping the dangers of the sport in mind, whenever a driver suffers a major accident, the memories of it can never be washed away. So while going into the Copse corner in the opening lap of the British GP alongside Piastri, Verstappen was instantly reminded of his major 51G shunt from 2021.

We are all aware of the massive high-speed crash Verstappen suffered at Silverstone after making contact with Hamilton. The memories of such incidents can never be wiped away. Verstappen’s comments, as quoted by Formula Passion, after the race showcase exactly that.

Speaking to Lando Norris, Verstappen said, “Piastri and I arrived alongside the Copse. I was in the cockpit ‘praying’ ‘ don’t understeer, don’t understeer.’”

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The Dutchman came out untouched in the 2023 edition. However, the corner and the incident is etched in his memory and not his alone.

The 2021 British GP incident with Lewis Hamilton haunts not just Max Verstappen but even Helmut Marko

The British GP was the turning point for Mercedes in 2021. The Brackley outfit got back to winning ways and plotting their comeback for their fight for the championship. So the massive shunt for Verstappen back in 2021 was horrifying in more ways than one. This is why the incident haunts Helmut Marko as well.

Marko confessed, “I didn’t expect the two McLarens to be so close to us. But on the other hand, we’re glad that Lewis Hamilton isn’t standing next to us, that’s reassuring. Because it doesn’t bring back good memories.”

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Albeit sarcastic, one can tell the memories of the 2021 crash are still alive and well in the minds of the entire Red Bull team. Luckily for them, 2023 did not add to their misery.