The rabbit hole goes deeper than you might think
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains one of the most controversial moments in Formula 1 history, with Sir Lewis Hamilton being denied his record-breaking eighth world title under contentious circumstances. While much of the blame has been placed on then-FIA Race Director Michael Masi, the situation is far more complex than a single individual’s decisions. The events of that fateful night were shaped by a web of influences, including team politics, vested interests, and systemic issues within Formula 1. This article explores the deeper layers of the controversy, examining the roles of Red Bull, Mercedes, and the FIA, and how their actions contributed to what many consider a theft of Sir Hamilton’s rightful title.
The Role Michael Masi: A Convenient Scapegoat
Michael Masi’s decisions during the final laps of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have been widely criticised, particularly his handling of the safety car rules. However, to view Masi as the sole architect of the controversy is to oversimplify the situation. Masi’s actions, while questionable, were likely influenced by external pressures from teams and Formula 1’s governing bodies. The fact that Masi was quietly removed from his role and reportedly signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) suggests that the FIA sought to shield deeper truths from public scrutiny. This raises questions about whether Masi was a “fall guy,” taking the blame to protect others, like “Bernie Ecclestone and Rupert Murdoch” who may have had a vested interest in the outcome of the race .
Red Bull Strategic Interests and Perez’s Role
Red Bull’s involvement in the Abu Dhabi controversy extends beyond Christian Horner’s lobbying of Masi during the race. Sergio Perez’s defensive driving earlier in the race cost Sir Hamilton valuable time, but his sudden retirement in the final laps raises further questions. Officially attributed to an engine issue, Perez’s retirement occurred at a critical moment, conveniently avoiding interference with the race restart. Some speculate that Red Bull may have taken calculated risks, such as under-fuelling Perez’s car, to create potential scenarios that could benefit Max Verstappen. While the Latifi crash ultimately provided the opportunity Red Bull needed, the timing of Perez’s retirement adds another layer of intrigue to the events of that night.
Mercedes Toto Wolff: A Conflict of Priorities
Mercedes and Toto Wolff’s actions during the 2021 season also warrant scrutiny. While Wolff publicly supported Sir Lewis Hamilton, his broader priorities as a businessman and part-owner of the Mercedes F1 team may have influenced the team’s approach. Some argue that Mercedes prioritised the Constructors’ Championship over Sir Hamilton’s individual success, as the team’s brand would benefit more from collective achievements. Additionally, the controversy surrounding Sir Hamilton’s loss generated significant public sympathy, boosting fan engagement and revenue for Mercedes. This raises the uncomfortable possibility that Wolff and Mercedes may not have fought as hard as they could have to secure Sir Hamilton’s eighth title, instead capitalising on the narrative of injustice.
The FIA Systemic Issues and Hidden Agendas
The FIA’s role in the Abu Dhabi controversy cannot be ignored. The organisation’s inconsistent application of rules throughout the 2021 season created an environment ripe for manipulation. The decision to allow only certain lapped cars to un-lap themselves during the safety car period was a clear deviation from standard procedures, benefiting Verstappen at Hamilton’s expense. Beyond this, the FIA’s vested interests in maintaining a competitive championship and attracting global attention to Formula 1 may have influenced their actions. The dramatic finale undoubtedly boosted the sport’s viewership and media coverage, but at the cost of fairness and integrity.
Karma is a delayed train
The events of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix were not the result of a single individual’s actions but rather a culmination of systemic issues, team politics, and vested interests. While Michael Masi’s decisions were pivotal, the roles of Red Bull, Mercedes, and the FIA reveal a far more complex web of influences. Red Bull’s strategic manoeuvres, Mercedes’ potential conflicts of interest, and the FIA’s inconsistent rule enforcement all contributed to the controversy. For Sir Lewis Hamilton, the loss of his eighth title was not just a personal injustice but a reflection of deeper flaws within Formula 1. Addressing these issues is essential to restoring trust and fairness in the sport.
