Before 2021, if a Formula 1 fan was asked what the sport was all about, they’d try to explain it in words. But that all changed in 2021. Because if someone ever asks what this sport is about, they can just watch any race from that season and they’ll get it. Such was the greatness of the 2021 season that Red Bull team principal Christian Horner didn’t mind calling it the best season the sport has had in decades.

In a recent interview, Horner was asked whether the way Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton went at each other helped in the sport’s appeal, “For sure,” Horner said.

“I think sport is all about competition. And when you’ve got serial winners, it becomes less attractive. So I think the fact that there was a big rivalry between the teams, between the two drivers, every Grand Prix there was very little to choose between the two of them,” he continued.

“It was a fantastic year, the best year I think Formula 1 has had as a sport for probably, 30-40 years.”

Perhaps, the Red Bull boss might’ve taken a shade at the past such phases of dominance in the sport, be it Michael Schumacher at Ferrari or more recently Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

But then again, Horner himself led the charge for Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull when he made the sport “less attractive.” 

“His decision”, “none of our business” – Christian Horner on Lewis Hamilton’s future

When asked what he thinks about the ongoing uncertainty around Lewis Hamilton’s continuity in F1, the Red Bull boss remained optimistic.

“I certainly hope Lewis will be around this year. He’s driving at an incredible level. The two drivers last year were in a league of their own. But ultimately it’s his choice, it’s his decision,” he said.

“So I’m sure he will decide to do what’s best for him, and that’s none of our business.”

Regardless of whether Lewis Hamilton continues in F1 or not, it cannot be ignored that he played a huge part in the 2021 season that created hundreds of thousands of new F1 fanatics.

As we stare into a new era of the sport, let’s just hope it’s similar to the last season of the era behind us.

Also Read: “We’re Not Saving Lives” – Red Bull F1 Boss Confirms Attempt to Shake Toto Wolff’s Hand in Abu Dhabi