Probably the most thrilling Formulation One marketing campaign in years resulted in simply as thrilling circumstances when last-lap drama as Max Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton to safe his maiden world championship.
Whereas Purple Bull rejoiced at their first champion since Sebastian Vettel in 2013, within the storage subsequent door Mercedes have been seething at a call they deemed unfair.
The often cool, calm and picked up Toto Wolff was heard on the radio pleading with race director Michael Masi that the choice was “not proper” however his complaints fell on deaf ears.
It was an opinion many neutrals shared and following protests from Mercedes, an FIA investigation into the controversial scenes was launched which started final week.
The FIA confirmed the outcomes of this investigation can be printed 48 hours earlier than the opening grand prix of the 2022 season in March and there are various who stand to realize and a few who stand to lose. Listed below are some potential winners and losers of the investigation.
Winner – Lewis Hamilton
The seven-time world champion is rarely going to be given his eighth world title in consequence however a constructive final result would show the Mercedes driver was handled unfairly.
The investigation is using the protection automobile and whether it is urged that race director Masi deployed the protection automobile incorrectly then Hamilton followers would have each proper to argue he was the rightful 2021 champion.
Hamilton himself has been quiet for the reason that season ended and is reported to be ready for the outcomes earlier than making his determination as as to if he’ll race on in 2022 – a risk that might affect the choice in his favour, given his import within the sport.
Loser – Max Verstappen
In the identical means Hamilton is not going to be given the title, Verstappen is not going to have his taken away however he is not going to wish to have an asterisk eternally hooked up to his 2021 win.
The Dutchman, who usually appears unfazed by public notion, is more likely to shrug off any outcome that goes towards him but it surely may eternally grow to be a persist with beat him with, particularly if this proves to be his solely world title.
Loser – Michael Masi
With arguably essentially the most highly effective crew within the sport indignant with him, Michael Masi’s place as race director could show untenable if the FIA finds he acted incorrectly.
The BBC studies that Mercedes dropped its attraction after agreeing with the FIA that each Masi and FIA head of single-seater technical issues Nikolas Tombazis can be sacked earlier than the beginning of the 2022 season.
It’s not solely Mercedes who’re irritated with the person who has held the place since March 2019.
Earlier within the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Purple Bull’s Christian Horner complained that Hamilton was not pressured to surrender the lead having gone off the observe in a battle with Verstappen.
The FIA has but to announce both means as as to if he’ll keep on however at this second in time, it appears unlikely.
Winner – the game
Whereas the ending of the season was an exciting spectacle, it opened the game as much as criticism.
The ultimate race was billed as a season-defining showdown between Verstappen and Hamilton and drew a big crowd of non-regular F1 watchers due to its broadcast on Channel 4 however they’d have been confused to see the race finish in such a means.
Maybe essentially the most notable instance of such criticism got here from Gary Lineker who tweeted it will be much like a referee deciding a soccer match ought to finish minutes early with a penalty shootout and one crew needed to be barefoot.
If the results of the investigation established some agency guidelines of what occurs in sure conditions, it will likely be helpful to all concerned within the sport.
Winner – Mercedes
Mercedes’ qualms didn’t finish with simply the way in which the race ended and the German crew has been pushing for the investigation to go a lot additional.
In response to Sky Sports activities reporter Ted Kravitz, Mercedes desires adjustments to drivers requirements as nicely.
“Mercedes really feel 2021 was a sample of some fairly questionable governance selections,” he stated.
“It extends to drivers’ requirements as nicely. They wish to put in place some new guidelines about how we go racing, whether or not some strong-arm driving requirements are to be enforced and controlled, that we received’t have all of the nonsense we had final yr.
“Additionally they need the truth that no crew principal will have the ability to speak and affect the race director through the race.
“It’s actually one thing that should occur fairly shortly. No one can transfer on till the FIA really clarify the choices, the rationale and the intent behind them in Abu Dhabi.”