Wolff hits out as new Abu Dhabi 2021 claim emerges… read more
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains one of the most contentious races in Formula 1 history, with the outcome still sparking heated debates among fans and teams alike. The season finale saw Lewis Hamilton lose the title to Max Verstappen on the last lap of the race, in a dramatic turn of events that has left a lasting impact on the sport.
At the center of the controversy is the decision made by former FIA race director Michael Masi, who allowed one more lap of racing after a safety car period, despite not all lapped cars having un-lapped themselves. This decision ultimately led to Verstappen overtaking Hamilton on the final lap, securing his first world title.
The fallout from Abu Dhabi continues to be felt today, with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff still seething about the outcome. In a recent interview on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, Wolff slammed the “referee” for not following the rule book, describing the decision as “madness.”
Wolff’s comments are a clear reference to Masi, although he did not mention him by name. Instead, he focused on the perceived injustice of the decision, which he believes robbed Hamilton of the title. “Five laps from the end, we are world champions,” Wolff said. “There is no scenario otherwise. Then, someone decides the way the world championship should end with the last lap.”
Wolff’s frustration is palpable, and it’s clear that the wound of Abu Dhabi still runs deep. He believes that both Hamilton and Verstappen were deserving champions, given their performances throughout the season. However, he feels that the decision made by Masi unfairly swung the outcome in Verstappen’s favor.
“It was so clear that the referee decided to do something that was not in the rule book,” Wolff said. “But it was in the madness of it.” Wolff’s comments highlight the ongoing controversy surrounding Abu Dhabi, and the perception that Masi’s decision was unfair and biased.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the role of the FIA and the consistency of its decision-making. Wolff’s comments are a clear call for greater transparency and accountability, and a reminder that the outcome of Abu Dhabi continues to have far-reaching implications for the sport.
In the aftermath of Abu Dhabi, the FIA conducted an investigation into the incident, which resulted in Masi being replaced as race director. However, the controversy surrounding the decision has never fully dissipated, and Wolff’s comments are a reminder that the wound of Abu Dhabi still runs deep.
As the sport continues to evolve and grow, the legacy of Abu Dhabi serves as a reminder of the importance of fairness, transparency, and accountability. Wolff’s comments are a clear call to action, urging the FIA to learn from the mistakes of the past and ensure that similar controversies are avoided in the future.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix continues to simmer, with Toto Wolff’s recent comments highlighting the ongoing frustration and sense of injustice felt by Mercedes. As the sport moves forward, it’s clear that the legacy of Abu Dhabi will continue to shape the debate about fairness, transparency, and accountability in Formula 1.
