Formula 1 News: Verstappen Reveals Ongoing Vision Problems Following 2021 British GP Crash
In a shocking revelation, Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has disclosed that he still experiences blurred vision as a result of his high-speed crash with Lewis Hamilton during the 2021 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The incident, which occurred at Copse corner, saw Hamilton make an ill-judged move on the inside, tagging Verstappen’s Red Bull and resulting in a 51G impact.
Verstappen, who required hospital observation following the incident, recently opened up about the ongoing aftereffects of the crash on the official Red Bull website. “Since my Silverstone crash, I’ve been struggling with vision problems, especially on bumpy tracks or those with many advertising boards along the track,” he explained.
The Dutch driver’s admission serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers inherent in motorsport, despite the significant safety advancements in modern Formula 1. The incident in question saw Hamilton deemed at fault by the race stewards, resulting in a 10-second penalty. However, Red Bull felt the punishment was insufficient and went to great lengths to prove their case, including recreating Hamilton’s driving line through Copse with then-Test Driver Alex Albon and simulating the scenario with Sergio Perez.
Three years on, Verstappen has revealed that he considered retiring during the 2021 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, just two months after the Silverstone crash. “In this race, I was not only fighting against Lewis but also against blurred images. It was like driving a speedboat at 300kph. I’ve never mentioned this before, but for a few laps, it was so bad that I seriously considered parking the car.”
Verstappen’s candid admission highlights the importance of prioritizing driver safety in Formula 1. Despite the challenges he faced, the Red Bull driver went on to secure an important victory in the championship fight, demonstrating his unwavering determination and focus.
As the Formula 1 season continues to unfold, Verstappen’s story serves as a potent reminder of the risks involved in the sport. With the Tag Heuer Formula 1 tyres and advanced safety features in place, the sport continues to push the boundaries of speed and innovation. However, Verstappen’s experience is a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of high-speed crashes.
Formula 1 Standings
With the current season in full swing, Verstappen’s revelation serves as a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing driver safety. As the Formula 1 standings continue to shift, one thing is certain – the sport will always carry an element of danger.
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