2021 Constructors Champions Mercedes AMG Formula One team officially launched a protest against Max Verstappen’s title clinching 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix win. As per the FIA, Mercedes launched totally two protests.
1.The reason behind protest is an alleged breach of Article 48.12.
2.Mercedes protesting Max Verstappen over Art 48.8 (relating to overtaking under SC)
Christian Horner said a miracle and racing gods can only help Max Verstappen to win the championship with 10 laps to go. A late safety car was required after Nicholas Latifi crashed.
Hamilton was leading comfortably at this stage and on course to win his eighth world championship. Red Bull decided to pit Max Verstappen for soft tyres so he had a tyre advantage if the race resumed.
FIA regulations dictate that before a safety car period ends lapped cars are allowed to overtake when the race director deems it safe to do so.
Once the last lapped car has passed the leader the safety car will return to the pits at the end of the following lap.
However, during the recovery of Latifi’s car it was initially communicated that lapped cars would not be allowed to overtake.
This would have kept five cars between Hamilton on old hard tyres and Verstappen on fresh softs.
Then it was communicated that those five cars alone would be allowed to unlap themselves.
The safety car then returned to the pits, setting up a one-lap shootout for the race and the title – in which Verstappen used his better tyres to prevail.
Mercedes has subsequently launched two protests. One is against the classification established at the end of the competition based on the safety car protocol not being followed.
The other is an alleged breach by Verstappen under the safety car, specifically a breach of the regulation that dictates no overtaking under the safety car.
As per the rumors in the paddock, if nothing happens in the protest hearing, Mercedes could approach over the results of the incredible 2021 title fight.
[…] Mercedes has launched two protest against out come of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. But unfortunately stewards dismissed both of them, so Max Verstappen is 2021 Formula 1 World Champion. […]
[…] Earlier Mercedes lodged two protests challenging Max Verstappen’s 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix win. But stewards quickly dismissed both of their complaints. […]