The FIA has agreed to conduct a detailed analysis of the events leading up to Max Verstappen’s ascension to the world championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix amid concerns the sport is being tarnished by “misunderstandings” and “controversies”. argument”.
The one lap safe car finish since the race has ended has been a source of considerable controversy, as the FIA’s race director, Michael Masi, appears to have omitted some parts of the regulation. sports to ensure the battle for the title is decided by one person. last lap.
The hasty restart gave Verstappen the opportunity to overtake his title rival Lewis Hamilton on the final lap, helping him secure the title with a race win.
Hamilton’s Mercedes team protested the race results after the checkered flag, focusing on provisions of sports regulations that had been omitted to start the race back to one final lap.
Management rejected Mercedes’ objection, leading the team to give their intention to appeal until Thursday night to build a case that could still go to the FIA’s International Court of Appeal.
The FIA’s World Motor Sports Council (WMSC) convened on Wednesday as part of a meeting scheduled before Thursday’s awards ceremony and, among other topics, discussed the events. event of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
After details of the final laps were presented to the WMSC, FIA president Jean Todt, who ends his last term as president this week, called for “an exercise in analysis and detail clarification”. .
A statement said the safety car deadline and certain radio messages between race control and the teams had “created significant misunderstanding and reaction from Formula 1 teams, drivers and riders”. fans”, which the FIA says “is currently tarnishing the image of the championship”.
The statement added: “This issue will be discussed and resolved with all teams and drivers to draw any lessons from this situation and provide clarity to participants, the media and the public.” and fans on current regulations to preserve the competitive nature of our sport while ensuring the safety of drivers and staff.”
The FIA will now propose the idea to the Formula One Committee, a body that includes the teams and Formula One itself, with the hope that it will “bring out the clear mandate of research and proposals to the Advisory Committee.” Sports Advisory, with the support of Formula One Drivers, so that any identified meaningful feedback and conclusions are reached prior to the start of the 2022 season.”
