Former FIA president Jean Todt reveals why he refused to help Toto Wolff after the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi GP
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Human Error Controversy and Jean Todt's Refusal to Intervene
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Toto Wolff, Jean Todt (Credits: Essentially Sports)
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix shall forever be etched in the annals of Formula One history as an event of immense controversy. The race witnessed a stunning turn of events, as Max Verstappen deprived Lewis Hamilton of his coveted eighth championship title, owing to a decision that was widely regarded as a misinterpretation of rules, a “human error”. Despite impassioned pleas from the Mercedes and Red Bull camps, the former President of the FIA, Jean Todt, remained steadfast in his resolve not to interfere in the proceedings.
In a recent interview with Corriere Della Sera, Jean Todt made it clear that he did not want to get involved and declined to intervene with the race results. The Frenchman drew parallels to the role of FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, who remains uninvolved in the decisions made by referees during football matches. “Referees must be autonomous,” stated Todt. “Have you ever heard Infantino proclaiming, ‘Here, there was a penalty, but not there?'”
The race’s gripping finale ensued after former Williams driver, Nicholas Latiffi, crashed out with a mere eight laps remaining, prompting the safety car to make an appearance. While Lewis Hamilton elected to stay out on worn tires, Max Verstappen made a calculated decision to pit for fresh softs during the safety car period. When the race recommenced with only one lap to go, only the cars positioned between Max and Lewis were permitted to unlap, thereby allowing Verstappen to close the gap and eventually overtake Hamilton, securing both the race and the championship.
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Jean Todt took a neutral stance after the marred Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The decision that led to Max Verstappen winning the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was marred with controversy and deemed as ‘human error’. Soon after the incident, Mercedes and Red Bull team principals, Toto Wolff, and Christian Horner, reached out to former FIA President Jean Todt. However, Todt maintained his impartiality and outrightly stated, “It’s the responsibility of the marshals and the race director. I can’t interfere.”
Having served as the FIA President for 12 years, Jean Todt retired in 2021 and was featured in the Netflix documentary Drive to Survive, which showed him watching the race in a relaxed setting. Recalling the same, Todt remarked, “In the documentary, it can be seen that I am watching that race in the country house together with the crew.”
Following the race, the then-race director for the Abu Dhabi GP was immediately sacked from the position and later resigned in 2022. The FIA appointed two racing directors, Neils Wittitch and Eduardo Freitas, to fill the vacancy, with Wittitch taking on the role for the 2023 season. Muhammed Bin Sulayem succeeded Todt as the FIA President.
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix left a lasting impression on F1 fans and a nightmare for Mercedes fans costing Lewis Hamilton his record-breaking eighth championship title. Nonetheless, Jean Todt’s decision to remain impartial in the face of immense pressure from two of the biggest teams in F1 is commendable. It highlights his unwavering commitment to neutrality and the integrity of the sport.
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Rohit Bhaskar
(727 Articles Published)