Verstappen reveals health problems since Hamilton crash in 2021

Max Verstappen has remarkably revealed that he has been suffering from a vision problem since his crash at the 2021 British Grand Prix following a high-speed duel with Lewis Hamilton.

The incident was one of the highlights of a titanic season-long battle between the Red Bull and Mercedes drivers that culminated in the 26-year-old Dutchman winning in controversial circumstances on the final lap of the final race of the year in Abu Dhabi.

On the opening lap of the race at Silverstone three years ago, Verstappen and Hamilton battled for the lead at the high-speed Copse corner, resulting in slight wheel-to-wheel contact that sent the former through the gravel and into a tyre barrier with an impact of 51g.

The aftermath of the race was far-reaching, and it has only now emerged that Verstappen is still suffering the after-effects of what was a serious accident.

Speaking to the Red Bulletin about the top 10 of the 61 victories he has accumulated during his F1 career, Verstappen highlighted the 2021 United States GP as number seven on his list.

He explains why, which makes for remarkable reading, as he says: “Since my accident at Silverstone I have been struggling with visibility issues, particularly on hilly circuits or those with lots of advertising boards along the track.

“In that race I wasn’t just fighting Lewis, but also blurry images. It was like driving a speedboat at 300 km/h!

“I’ve never told you this before, but for a few laps it was so bad I seriously considered turning the car off.

“The only thing that helped was focusing on my breathing while Lewis was breathing down my neck.

“An important victory that I desperately needed in the fight for the world championship.”

And Verstappen’s number one is…

As for Verstappen’s race to the top of the list, it is perhaps unsurprisingly his first win on his Red Bull debut after being promoted just 10 days previously from Toro Rosso.

Although fortunate in one respect after Mercedes duo Hamilton and Nico Rosberg crashed out after colliding with each other on the opening lap, Verstappen showcased his talent by defending brilliantly against Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen for 20 laps.

“My tyres were completely worn out, Kimi was putting pressure on me,” said Verstappen. “I knew I had to manage the last chicane well to not give him the chance to brake into Turn 1.”

“I was super focused and drove very defensively. I didn’t think I was going to win until the last corner. I was so focused on my job.

“Nothing can beat a first F1 win. It was incredible because it was unexpected. The team had said beforehand: get in the car, get used to it and see what happens.

“Yes, we were lucky because the two Mercedes had left, but you have to take your chance when it comes.”