Jos Verstappen says Red Bull had 'slower' car than Mercedes during epic title battle

Verstappen in Abu Dhabi — Photo: © LAT Images

F1 News & Gossip

Verstappen says Red Bull won title with 'SLOWER' car than Mercedes

Jos Verstappen believes his son won the 2021 title with a slower car than Lewis Hamilton

Shay Rogers

Wednesday 13 December 2023 19:57

Jos Verstappen has acknowledged that the result of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021 was hard to take for Mercedes after the drivers’ world championship slipped from their grasp, but insists Red Bull had the slower car towards the end of the season.

Verstappen’s son, Max, was able to fit new tyres and overtake Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the final race of the year to snatch his maiden Formula 1 title.

The controversial decision to bring out the safety car in the closing stages significantly affected Hamilton's shot at an eighth world championship.

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After witnessing Max win his third consecutive drivers’ championship, the Dutchman's father has gladly discussed that famous night under the Yas Marina lights in 2021.

The realisation of a first Formula 1 world championship hits Max Verstappen

Lewis Hamilton is consoled by his father - Anthony, after losing the championship on the final lap

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton battle on the first lap of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Verstappen: Red Bull had slower car than Mercedes

“Fantastic race," Verstappen told PlanetF1. "At the end of the day, I can imagine how Mercedes has felt, but it has nothing to do… we didn’t make those decisions.

“For the fans of Formula 1 and, of course, speaking as Max’s Dad, it couldn’t been better. It was so exciting until the last moment.

“Of course, for us, the outcome was nice. I can imagine, for Lewis and Toto, it’s not as nice. But that’s how it is, you know, you have to accept it.

Jos Verstappen believes his son Max had a slower car than Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi

“I think, now, we have a more competitive car. That makes a difference. In 2021, I think in the last couple of races Mercedes was above us. We were still competing with a slower car against a faster one. Now, I think we have the edge over everybody else. That’s the difference.”

The edge that Red Bull have enjoyed this season could carry over to next season, having reserved their resources to develop their 2024 challenger earlier than their rivals.

It’s entirely possible that Max Verstappen could match Sebastian Vettel’s historic streak of four consecutive world championships by the end of next season.