F1 | Chandhok returns to the 2021 world championship: "A stress, Mercedes and Red Bull tried to influence the media"
Karun Chandhok's curious behind-the-scenes look at the Mercedes-Red Bull challenge in the 2021 world championship
F1 Chandhok Red Bull Mercedes – Sky F1 expert Karun Chandhok has revealed new details of the intense behind-the-scenes battle between Red Bull and Mercedes during the dramatic 1 Formula 2021 season, which saw Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton battle it out for the title until the final race. The year was marked by numerous on-track clashes between the two champions, with key incidents at the British and Italian Grands Prix.
The world title, however, was controversially decided at the end of Abu Dhabi, when race director Michael Masi’s management of the Safety Car led to a final duel that favored Verstappen. The former Caterham driver described 2021 as one of the most complex seasons he has followed, highlighting its unpredictability: “It was a rollercoaster, with key moments like the crash at Silverstone and of course the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, probably the most controversial race in recent Formula 1 history.” During that season, Red Bull and Mercedes attempted to influence the media to sway the narrative in their favor.
Chandhok and the behind the scenes of the Verstappen-Hamilton challenge
Chandhok explained how, in such a tense climate, both teams tried to sway public opinion in their favor: “There were people inside Red Bull and Mercedes who would tell you their side of the story, trying to influence your point of view.” While Verstappen continued to dominate Formula 1, winning three consecutive world titles starting in 2021, Hamilton has endured a long period of difficulty, marked by the longest win drought of his career.
However, in 2024, the Briton managed to return to success, taking thrilling victories in the British and Belgian Grands Prix, ending his losing streak. Verstappen also revealed the long-term effects of his crash with Hamilton at Silverstone in 2021. The Dutch driver confessed to having suffered from vision problems for months, particularly during the United States Grand Prix that year, where he had to contend not only with Hamilton, but also with poor visibility to secure a decisive victory.
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