ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Mercedes has filed an appeal over Max Verstappen’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix win.
Verstappen won an incredible first championship catching and overtaking Hamilton after a late Safety Car restart on the final lap of the race.
Hamilton’s Mercedes team were furious with the way that was handled, with the FIA’s race director appearing to have tried to come under pressure from Red Bull boss Christian Horner to let the overturned cars pass the Safety Cars. whole. When Masi allowed them to do so, it effectively moved Verstappen to just behind Hamilton behind on the road that had stopped for a newer tire change.
At the reboot, Hamilton had little chance of keeping Verstappen at.
It meant the race ended in controversy, following a clash in the very first round between the two title rivals. Hamilton got a jump on Verstappen early in the inning into Round 1 but Verstappen closed in behind straight leading into Play 4.
When Hamilton left the interior door open, Verstappen tried to get inside very late. He moved late but it was fair, with his stoppage time good enough to take the corner.
To avoid a collision, Hamilton continued straight and drove through the lane, backing up slightly onto the road. In doing so, he kept the lead.
“He has to give that back,” Verstappen immediately said on the radio.
Two rounds later, FIA managers confirmed that they felt there was no need for an investigation.
Red Bull’s Jonathan Wheatley phoned the FIA’s race director Michael Masi to ask why, saying the team felt it was an “aggressive” but “fair” race. Masi told Red Bull that managers feel Hamilton has returned any lasting advantage.
When told there were no fines, Verstappen said on the radio: “It’s unbelievable. What are they doing here?”
Additional reporting by Nate Saunders.
