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Max Verstappen denied the suggestion that Formula 1 needs to heal following the controversial conclusion to the 2021 season.

There is great excitement surrounding Formula 1 as a new season gets underway, complete with overhauled regulations, bigger tyres and driver changes to generate great unpredictability surrounding the pecking order.

But for much of the off-season, rather than turn full focus to this new era ahead, the fallout rumbled on from the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where the decision-making from Race Control had a direct impact on the title outcome as Verstappen passed Lewis Hamilton on the last lap, clinching his first World Championship.

Both drivers are back for 2022, Verstappen looking to retain the title and Hamilton aiming to avenge the injustice he felt had come his way last season.

So, does Formula 1 need to repair its reputation somewhat this season? Verstappen does not believe so.

“The sport doesn’t need to heal, there are these dramatic moments which are part of the sport as well,” he told BBC Sport.

“F1 is a very tough world. I think Lewis can feel the pain a bit less if you already have seven [Drivers’ titles].”

The 2021 title battle was fought exclusively between Verstappen