More than a month has passed since the dramatic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton controversially lost a possible eighth world title to title contender Max Verstappen in the closing stages of the race. Many in the F1 community thought the governing body was corrupt, but McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, would agree with such comments.
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There is no doubt that the events of the last race of the season divided the racing community. Hamilton’s fan bases saw the Mercedes driver cheated out of a world championship and quickly concluded that the FIA was corrupt.
Zak Brown doesn’t think the sports governing body is corrupt
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The final laps of the title-deciding race are the most talked about topic in esports. Many believed that the FIA was corrupt in its decision making, but Brown does not believe these theories.
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
Speaking to the BBC: “For those who have a view of ‘sport is corrupt etc.’ have, I disagree. Do I think a different decision could possibly have been made? yes possibly I’d like to wait and see what the FIA comes out with but I don’t think it was malicious and so I don’t think it’s corrupt.”
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What does the McLaren boss say about Lewis Hamilton’s future in F1?
The sporting future of the knight is still up for debate, the seven-time world champion is waiting for the FIA’s decision on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. On the other hand, Brown doesn’t think he will leave the field, although he is very upset with how things have turned out at the Yas Marina Circuit.
He said: “I’m sure he’s very angry. But I think racers want to race and he’s a fighter and he’s going to want to come back and win an eighth world title. I don’t think he’s ready to retire.”
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“I don’t know Lewis that well. I wouldn’t be shocked if he stopped. I don’t think anyone should assume he’s coming back. We should not belittle or disregard his frustration and anger. And maybe he hasn’t made a decision yet and maybe he’s taking the time to make his decision because once it’s made, it’s made.”
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 11, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton after qualifying in the second position pool via REUTERS/Kamran Jebreili
“So I don’t think we should rule it out or take it lightly. I just think he still has that burning desire to race and that will ultimately drive his decision,” Brown concluded.
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With the Mercedes driver returning to the grid for next season, what are your expectations of Hamilton? Let us know in the comment section below.
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