Formula 1 has seen thrilling championship wins throughout its history, but the 2021 season-decider stands all the way at the top. The gripping title fight, the closest we’ve seen in the turbo-hybrid era, ultimately came down to one lap in Abu Dhabi. Max Verstappen pipped Lewis Hamilton to win his maiden drivers’ title.

Although a stroke of luck and controversy helped him cross the line towards the end, many believe that he is the rightful champion.

In a recent interview, Max Verstappen opened up about that tense last lap in Abu Dhabi, his life as a world champion, and much more.

Max Verstappen thought his father might get a heart attack

If there is one thing that every F1 fan would agree on, irrespective of their allegiance, is that the last lap got everyone on the edge of their seats. After 22 rounds of the exciting championship battle which kept changing hands, it all came down to the wire. Max also agrees to the peak adrenaline rush during that epic turn 5 overtake. Finally, the Dutchman miraculously crossed the line to become the champion of the world.

When he came out of the cockpit, his teammates and his father came running towards him; at that moment, seeing his father, Verstappen says it looked like he would get a heart attack. Talking to the Guardian, Verstappen said, “I thought he could die because it looked like he was about to have a heart attack. He was so pale, it was incredible. His skin color was definitely not healthy.”

Verstappen also revealed the first words he exchanged with father Jos after the race. “Like: ‘We did it!’,” said the Dutchman.

Now, fans are eagerly waiting to see him back behind the wheel of the all-new RB18, which will be released on Wednesday. After an exceptional performance in 2021, can Max Verstappen defend his title in the upcoming season? Fans will find out soon enough as the season begins on the 20th of March in Bahrain.

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