Ultimately 12 months’s F1 season finale, Lewis Hamilton had appeared set to seize his eighth world championship title after dominating a lot of the Yas Marina race.
Nevertheless, issues had been turned on their head when a late security automotive was triggered after Nicholas Latifi crashed his Williams.
Through the restart, then F1 race director Michael Masi didn’t comply with the right procedures, selectively permitting just a few backmarkers to unlap themselves after which restarting the race a lap sooner than it ought to have in accordance with the laws.
That allowed Max Verstappen, who had pitted for contemporary tyres, one closing lap to overhaul Hamilton and safe the win that captured him his maiden world title.
Mercedes initially protested the outcome and appeared set to take the matter to the courtroom of attraction, earlier than finally backing down within the pursuits of the game.
The FIA launched a full investigation into what occurred, and Masi was moved apart as a part of an overhaul of the way in which F1’s race management was run.
Wolff has admitted that he finds it onerous to overlook what occurred.
Requested by Motorsport.com in an unique interview if he nonetheless mirrored on what occurred in Abu Dhabi, Wolff mentioned: “I give it some thought day-after-day. However I’ve my peace with Max successful the championship, as a result of he is a deserving champion.
“The way it panned out, I feel I’ve values round equity, and particularly sporting equity. That is what offers my basic love for the game. After which that was kicked with the ft on that individual day.”
Toto Wolff, Staff Principal and CEO, Mercedes AMG
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Photographs
Though many questions stay about what actually occurred in race management that day, particularly with it rising not too long ago that Masi signed a Non-Disclosure Settlement (NDA) to by no means speak about it, the FIA has tried to attract a line beneath the occasions.
However there have been ongoing questions this 12 months concerning the consistency of the brand new race management construction, in addition to the method and perspective of recent FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Reflecting on the job that Ben Sulayem has finished to date, Wolff mentioned that some difficulties had been inevitable contemplating the change of method that he was seeking to deliver.
“I feel Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the way in which he is hiring and recruiting, exhibits for me path,” he mentioned.
“Each character has his edges. And I feel the first goal of being clear, offering good governance and a great framework is what I see occurring.
“Are there going to be bumps on the highway as a result of Mohammed’s organisation must fall in place and all people wants to search out their roles? Yeah, for certain. However I am proud of how’s it going.
“They’re open minded. They are not opinionated. For me, clear, sincere and have integrity.”