The Mercedes team will follow the dramatic turn of events at the 2021 F1 final for a while. Team boss Toto Wolff has his differences of opinion with the FIA, but that didn’t change anything in favor of the Silver Arrows. The Austrian has been at the top of the team since 2013 and had a winning rate of over 70 percent between 2014 and 2020.
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However, his unprecedented success came to an unexpected standstill when Max Verstappen took the drivers’ title in an exciting duel. Wolff was busy the entire 2021 season and left no stone unturned. But Red Bull has overcome Mercedes’ dominance to rekindle its presence at the top.
Before the start of the main race in Abu Dhabi, Wolff said cheerfully about the consequences of the title decision. To his disappointment, however, it turned out to be a fiasco for him.
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Formula 1 F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – December 5, 2021 Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff will pool over REUTERS / Andrej Isakovic during the race. seen
Toto Wolff was faced with a disheartening irony
The title fight between the two front runners looked pretty one-sided after the GP of Mexico, Max Verstappen gained a considerable advantage over rival Hamilton. However, to the delight of the Brackley team, Hamilton clinched three straight wins in Brazil, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The flame burned higher than ever during the weekend in Abu Dhabi when the two protagonists stood at eye level.
Wolff was reluctant to say that he had nothing to lose after the results in Mexico. However, he was very optimistic about Lewis Hamilton’s chances in the decision. In an interview with Ziggo Sport, the Austrian said that he likes this experience very much and that the memories will be remembered for a long time.
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“Yes! I love it. In a few years we will look back and say: ‘It was a great experience to be there at all,'” said the Mercedes boss.
The final moments of the race, however, turned out to be an absolute nightmare for Hamilton. The safety car incident destroyed the Briton’s chances of winning and Max Verstappen drove to his first title win. Mercedes initiated an official protest, but the stewards declined their plea.
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Amid all the backlash, the FIA eventually agreed to open a detailed review of the matter. However, this has no impact on the championship results. Wolff may now regret his earlier remarks, but it was certainly an extraordinary season that will be cherished for years.
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