F1 legend reveals how Abu Dhabi battle changed Verstappen

According to F1 legend Alain Prost, Max Verstappen has only grown stronger by modifying his driving style since his epic title battle with Lewis Hamilton.

Even though the race for the 2021 Formula 1 championship is already regarded as one of the greatest matches in the history of the sport, there have been significant changes since then. Verstappen and Red Bull have achieved complete dominance, while Mercedes has suffered and Hamilton has yet to win a race.

The two campaigns that followed it were incredibly competitive compared to that 2021 season.
Since the most recent regulation change, it appears that the fates of Red Bull and Mercedes have switched.

Prost, a four-time F1 champion, asserted that Verstappen was able to change his approach to become more reliable because Hamilton was no longer a threat.

In a column for L’Equipe, Prost claimed that Verstappen has evolved in recent years, in part because of their long-standing rivalry with the seven-time champion.

“No, Max vanished in 2021, following that epic battle with Lewis Hamilton.

“I won’t discuss the contentious Abu Dhabi race, but I will discuss how he and Red Bull worked as a team throughout the season’s battle with Mercedes.
His first victory made him more resilient. Since then, he has become more composed, with the exception of his quest for perfection.
“.

Prost: Verstappen’s position as the clear leader won’t change.

There is still hope that a more open season will be in store for the future as rival teams continue to gain ground on Red Bull throughout 2023, but Prost is skeptical of this.
According to the Frenchman, any change at the top of Formula One is unlikely given Verstappen’s current level of reliable performance and Red Bull’s superior technical capabilities.

It’s a bad omen for the competition because it won’t slow down anytime soon, he added.
“If there are no rule changes made in the upcoming two years, not much will change.
Because he and his team are so talented, they will rise to the occasion and at the very least contend for the championship starting in 2026.
“.