Do you remember the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix? Well, a photo from that race has taken center stage in a curious interaction involving Max Verstappen and… Michelin.
With four laps to go before the checkered flag, the Dutch driver, who had dominated the weekend up to that point, was forced to retire due to an issue with one of his tires. That incident seemed to pave the way for Lewis Hamilton to claim the championship, although the Mercedes driver made a mistake during the restart and failed to capitalize on what could have been a huge advantage.
Returning to Max Verstappen, an image from that moment caused a stir and is now the focal point of this Michelin anecdote. After stepping out of his Red Bull, the Dutchman literally kicked the “culprit” tire, sparking a wave of criticism against Pirelli.
What does Michelin have to do with it?
These are the days of meetings and ceremonies marking the start of the new season. It was no different for Michelin, which decided to use the photo of Max Verstappen in Baku to celebrate its presence in motorsport.
“Life-Changing Driving Experiences,” read the presentation displayed during the convention organized by the French brand. The statement was accompanied by two images, as shown in photos shared by attendees on social media.
Alongside the image of Max Verstappen, highlighting competitors’ issues, was a photo from the Formula E championship, where Michelin had been the official tire supplier for many years.
This amusing choice brought back memories for fans of one of the key races in a 2021 season that will not be easily forgotten.
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