The events of the dramatic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are still talked about. Mercedes were not happy with the FIA’s decision during the safety car period of the race; a decision that turned the tables in the Championship between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
The Silver Arrows protested the result of the race but soon dropped it. Recently they have made their demands to the Governing Body to ensure that such an incident does not happen again.
Mercedes gives the FIA an ultimatum after the events of the Abu Dhabi GP
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
The governing body has launched an internal investigation and has set itself a deadline of February 3 to present its findings at the next World Motor Sport Council meeting.
Mercedes have also made a number of demands that they would have liked to implement to ensure such an incident does not happen again. Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz said, as quoted by PlanetF1: “Mercedes thinks 2021 has been a pattern of some pretty questionable governance decisions. It also extends to driver standards.”
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after the start of the race REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
“They want to set up some new rules about how we race, whether to enforce some strict driving standards and regulate them so we don’t have all that nonsense that we had last year.”
“They also want no team boss to be able to talk to and influence the race director during the race. It has to be really quick. No one can move on until the FIA has actually explained the decisions, the rationale and the intent behind them in Abu Dhabi,” he concluded.
View story: From the shocking Lewis Hamilton crash to the Ferrari pit stop error, the most sensational moments in Bahrain GP history
What about Hamilton’s future in sport?
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
It’s been pretty quiet around the 7-time world champion since he dramatically lost his potential eighth world title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 11, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton collides with the fists of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after qualifying pool via REUTERS/Kamran Jebreili
The Knight has one more year on his contract with the Toto Wolff-led team. However, it is still unclear whether the Mercedes driver will compete in the upcoming Formula 1 season.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
What are your predictions for the Brit when he returns to the grid for the 2022 Formula 1 season? Will he be able to take the crown from Max next year and claim his eighth place? Do share your thoughts in the comment box below.
DIVE DEEPER
Did you enjoy reading this article? Download our exclusive app for 24/7 coverage, the latest memes and social media banter. Click here to download.
