admin
LONDON. — Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton said on his team radio, “This has been manipulated,” after the Briton was passed by Max Verstappen on the final lap of Sunday’s controversial season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The message was not broadcast on the world TV feed but was audible on seven-time champion Hamilton’s onboard channel on F1TV, multiple media outlets reported.
Reuters has requested comment from Mercedes and the governing FIA.
Red Bull’s Verstappen overtook Hamilton on the last lap to win the Abu Dhabi GP and claim his first championship after race director Michael Masi altered the safety car procedure to allow five cars between the title rivals to get out of the way.
The decision gave Verstappen a clear run on Hamilton in what amounted to a last-lap sprint finish, with the Dutch driver on fresher tyres.
Hamilton was gracious in defeat, congratulating Verstappen and Red Bull for their victory.
Meanwhile, Hamilton will receive his knighthood today as the British driver comes to terms with controversially losing the Formula One world title.
Hamilton is due to attend an investiture at Windsor Castle to be honoured for services to motorsports.
The 36-year-old was given his knighthood in the New Year Honours list in 2020 following pressure on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to approve the accolade.
Despite being one of the UK’s most successful sportsmen, Hamilton, who matched Michael Schumacher’s record seven world titles in 2020, had previously been overlooked.
Hamilton’s knighthood was awarded in the overseas list as he relocated to Monaco in 2010. His royal appointment comes just days after he was denied a record eighth Formula One crown.
Verstappen pipped the Mercedes star to the world title on Sunday after his battle with Hamilton came down to a one-lap shoot-out in Abu Dhabi.
The Red Bull driver stormed past his title rival in the closing stages of the Grand Prix season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit, having benefited from a late safety car decision that bunched up the pack.
Mercedes are expected to appeal again after two protests they made against Verstappen’s victory were rejected by stewards.
The man in their sights is race director Michael Masi and his controversial decision to withdraw the safety car for the final lap.
The appeal must be lodged within 96 hours from the moment they indicated their intention to appeal, which in this case would be 22:00 CAT tomorrow. — Reuters.
Online Reporter