“Tarnishing Sports Image”: FIA release statement on “Misunderstanding” in F1 Verstappen vs Hamilton Finale at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The 2021 Formula 1 season as a while has been an intense one to say the least, and the very last race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw the culmination of the Max Verstappen vs. Lewis Hamilton rivalry. As the Dutch driver reigned supreme, the win was not without its share of controversy, as emotions ran high.
The penultimate lap, which took place under a safety car due to yellow lap, which led Verstappen to come out on a fresh set of softs, as compared to Hamilton’s worn out hard tyres. As Verstappen took the title on the last lap of the race, the controversy followed. Mercedes lodged 2 protests, both of which were promptly rejected.
Mercedes were disappointed with Masi’s handling of the very last lap of the race, contending that sporting regulations had not been followed correctly. Mercedes launched an intent to appeal in the International Court of Appeal, which they however did not follow through with. “The FIA’s primary responsibility at any event is to ensure the safety of everyone involved and the integrity of the sport,” read a statement.
“We Will try to Provide a Detailed Analysis and Clarification on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix”: FIA
According to sky-sports, a statement read, “The circumstances surrounding the use of the Safety Car following the incident of driver Nicholas Latifi, and the related communications between the FIA Race Direction team and the Formula 1 teams, have notably generated significant misunderstanding and reactions from Formula 1 teams, drivers and fans.” The statement further said that this was causing a lot of controversy and argument about the rules and regulations in F1.
“The FIA President proposed to the World Motor Sport Council that a detailed analysis and clarification exercise for the future with all relevant parties will now take place,” said the statement. The FIA further said that the matter would be addressed and discussed by all the teams and drivers to gain more clarity on the situation in any way possible.
“It is not only Formula 1 that may benefit from this analysis, but also more generally all the other FIA circuit championships. In consultation with drivers and the F1 Commission, the FIA hopes to have “identified meaningful feedback and conclusions be made before the beginning of the 2022 season,” concluded the statement.
Also read: Mercedes set to ‘scrap’ appeal against Verstappen after Lewis Hamilton’s intervention
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Saivee Phatak
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