The 2021 Silverstone Grand Prix marked one of the most explosive moments in Formula 1 history, forever altering the relationship between Mercedes and Red Bull. On the opening lap, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen collided at Copse corner while battling for the lead. Verstappen’s car was sent into the tire barriers at high speed, subjecting the Dutchman to a staggering 51G impact and necessitating a precautionary trip to the hospital. Meanwhile, Hamilton received a 10-second penalty but still managed to claim victory, sparking outrage within the Red Bull camp and adding fuel to an already intense rivalry.
This incident was more than just a collision, it became a turning point in the Hamilton-Verstappen rivalry and the overall dynamics of the 2021 championship. Red Bull openly criticized Mercedes for their perceived lack of concern over Verstappen’s condition, accusing the team of celebrating the win insensitively while Verstappen recovered. The fallout from Silverstone deepened the hostility between the two teams, transforming an already fierce competition into a bitter feud that overshadowed the rest of the season.
In a recent turn of events, Mercedes’ Chief Communications Officer Bradley Lord candidly addressed how the team managed the aftermath of the Silverstone incident. Speaking to Planet F1, Lord revealed that Mercedes regrets its approach during that critical moment, acknowledging that it may have antagonized their relationship with Red Bull and the fanbases.
“If we were to talk something we regret, I think, having taken the word of a member of the Red Bull team—and therefore taken a little for granted—Max’s condition after his shunt at Silverstone in 2021,” Lord admitted.
The intense championship battle and the debate over penalties meant Mercedes focused more on the competitive narrative than on Verstappen’s well-being, which, according to Lord, was a misstep.
“We could have handled that in a different way that would have been more reflective of the concern we had for Max’s wellbeing at that point in time, regardless of our view of the incident and the rights and wrongs of it.”
The 2021 season ended in controversy, with Verstappen ultimately claiming his maiden championship snubbing Lewis Hamilton of his eighth title. However, the rivalry ignited at Silverstone continues to define the legacy of both drivers and their teams, serving as a reminder of how a single incident can alter the trajectory of a season.
