Max Verstappen has revealed a lasting impact of the high-speed crash he endured during the 2021 British Grand Prix, admitting to suffering “vision problems” since the accident.
On the opening lap of the race, Verstappen collided with arch-rival Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone’s Copse corner, the Red Bull veering off course and heavily clouting the tyre barrier, subjecting its driver to a severe 51G impact that resulted in a trip to the hospital for checks.
While seemingly unscathed at the time, Verstappen has revealed lingering vision issues, particularly on bumpy tracks or circuits with numerous trackside advertisements.
“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 told Red Bull’s website.
Verstappen remembered how the issue affected him later in the year at the US Grand Prix in Austin, with the severity of the problem even leading him to contemplate retiring mid-race.
“In this race, I was not only fighting against Lewis but also against blurred images,” he recounted. “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.
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“The only thing that helped was focusing on my breathing while I had Lewis right behind me. It was an important victory that I desperately needed in the championship fight.”
Despite the difficulties, Verstappen managed to focus and secure a crucial victory in the championship fight at the Circuit of the Americas.
Verstappen's revelation adds a new dimension to his 2021 championship win. The hidden battle he faced behind the wheel highlights his mental and physical fortitude throughout the season.
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