Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen rivalry assessed by Christian Horner

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen's fierce rivalry has been assessed by Red Bull boss Christian Horner, as he described their 2021 battle as the 'best year' Formula 1 has seen in '30 or 40 years'.

Hamilton and Verstappen played out a title race to remember last term, and after a remarkable battle throughout the season the chaotic finale in Abu Dhabi capped off a year of drama in style.

Verstappen was the man who prevailed following their 2021 battle, as he pipped Hamilton to the world championship on the very final lap of the season last month.

In typical Hamilton-Verstappen style though it wasn't done without drama, as the Dutchman took advantage of a contentious safety car decision from FIA director Michael Masi to secure his first ever F1 title.

Following a quite remarkable year Horner believes that the pair's incredible rivalry is providing Formula 1 with the best racing it has seen in a very long time.

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Speaking to Wion the Red Bull boss 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 [Red Bull and Mercedes] between the two drivers [Verstappen and Hamilton], every Grand Prix there was very little to choose between the two of them.

"It was a fantastic year. It was the best year I think Formula 1 has had as a sport for probably 30 or 40 years."

The remarkable finish in Abu Dhabi was no doubt a heartbreaking one for seven-time world champion Hamilton, as he was denied a record eighth title in somewhat controversial circumstances.

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