During a recent simulated race, Max Verstappen injected humor into the virtual competition by making a comical reference to his dramatic collision with Lewis Hamilton at the 2021 British Grand Prix.
The sim race took place at Silverstone, the very circuit where the infamous incident occurred during their intense battle for the 2021 Formula 1 championship.
In the real-life British Grand Prix, Verstappen and Hamilton started on the front row, with Verstappen in pole position. Hamilton, aware of the need to challenge Verstappen early on to prevent him from pulling away, attempted an overtake at Brooklands. Verstappen defended his position, and Hamilton, taking a wider line, attempted a move into Copse Corner.
The two drivers collided, resulting in a high-speed crash for Verstappen into the barriers. The incident fueled an already intense rivalry, with debates over who was at fault. Hamilton received a 10-second time penalty but still went on to win his home Grand Prix.
Reflecting on that dramatic moment, Verstappen made a light-hearted comment during the sim race, stating, “So it does work, going side by side into that corner [Copse].”
The reference highlighted the historical significance of the crash at Silverstone and added a humorous touch to the virtual racing experience. Despite the tension and competitiveness between Verstappen and Hamilton on the real track, the sim race provided an opportunity for a playful nod to their memorable on-track battles.