IF YOU think the controversy surrounding the F1 finale between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton had finally been put to rest, well that view would be wrong with the latest revelations.
For people who may not remember the final race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was won by Dutchman Verstappen after F1 Race Director Michael Masi decided to make the call to allow the five lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen unlap themselves with one lap to go.
Verstappen beat Hamilton to the title which angered race fans across the world. The consensus online was that Masi influnced the race for a better finish.
Mercedes lodged two appeals, but then withdrew both and conceded the title to Redbull
Max Verstappen wins Formula One world title the Abu Dhabi GP and the 2021 World Championship, ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton #MaxVerstappen #AbuDabhiGP #F1 #AbuDhabiGrandPrix pic.twitter.com/3EObXXTaQv
— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 💉 (@SriLankaTweet) December 12, 2021
Now leaked audio from Red Bull Team Director Jonathan Wheatley and Michael Masi has emerged
The audio shows Masi and Wheatley in dialogue, with the race director agreeing with Wheatley's requests for the five cars to unlap themselves on the final lap
The footage indicates that Red Bull knew what was happening at the time
The conversation from Abu Dhabi goes as follows
Mercedes to Hamilton:
There are five backmarkers between you and P2.
Red Bull to Masi:
Obviously those lapped cars, you don't need to let them go right the way around and catch up with the back of the pack.
Masi to Red Bull:
Understood.
Red Bull to Masi:
You need to let them go.
Masi to Red Bull:
Understood, just give us a second.
Red Bull to Masi:
...and then we got a motor race on our hands.
Mercedes to Hamilton:
We believe they may restart the race like this (with the lapped cars still in position)
Red Bull to Verstappen:
I think all the cars ahead of you are going to pass Hamilton, everyone behind you will stay in position.
During the race Masi snapped at Toto Wolff, the Mercedes Team Principal as Wolff showed his displeasure at the move
Masi responded, "It's called a motor race," which was what Red Bull's Jonathan Wheatley had said to Masi.
The FIA's investigation is unlikely to be published before March 18th.
There will be proposals made on how races are managed and the role of the F1 Race Director going forward. That will be addressed at an F1 Commission meeting next week.
This is shocking. New emerging footage of @F1 Abu Dhabi GP containing previously unheard radio. Masi essentially executed the instructions of Jonathan Wheatley (Red Bull) without any second thought over its legality or fairness. This should be sickening listening to any fan. pic.twitter.com/XkOWmjGhH0
— Jordan ¹⁰³ (@F1_Jordan) February 8, 2022
