Quote:
Originally Posted by Artemis
Refrain from politicizing the matter by suggesting a vile and baseless conspiracy theory that nationality and race has played a role in the FIA race director's decision-making at the Abu Dhabi 2021 race. You are making this up - there is absolutely no proof at all of your toxic narrative.
You're entitled to your opinion, but not to your own facts: FIA took the race decision based on the situation on track after the Latifi crash, regardless of nationality and race of all drivers, teams and FIA officials involved. Whether the race-decision was legitimate in the light of the existing FIA rules, is a different discussion. But no indications whatsoever exist that nationality and race was part of the equation.
And about the notorious final shootout lap at Abu Dhabi 2021. Hamilton and Verstappen fought it out with their cars as ultimate finale of the 2021 season. Hamilton had the advantage of keeping P1 track position as a result of the Mercedes team decision not to pit him for new tires under the safety car. All it took to clinch the victory and world title was to stay ahead of Verstappen upon reaching the chequered flag 3.2 miles further down the road. He perfectly knew that Verstappen had pitted for new tires and that Verstappen would definitely try to overtake him. Team Mercedes had made a trade-off: preference for keeping track position with current tires rather than losing track position with new tires. They gambled on the first option, as the Mercedes car had proven to be the stronger package in the final races of the 2021 season and as the highly experienced Hamilton would have the benefit of leading the final laps.
Hamilton had effectively the benefit of starting the final shootout lap as race leader. Only 1 lap separated him from the chequered flag and, indeed, he had the benefit of controlling the restart and of the race lead. But despite his excellent driving skills, vast experience, P1 track position and the knowledge of the clear and present danger of Verstappen heavily breathing in his neck, he failed to pay enough attention upon approaching Turn 5 in that all-or-nothing lap (likely he anticipated that Verstappen would attack at a later turn). Verstappen outfoxed Hamilton on the inside of Turn 5 with a cunning surprise overtake maneuver. After that overtake maneuver, the fate was sealed. The strategic gamble by team Mercedes to keep P1 track position had been to no avail, as Hamilton had squandered the P1 track position advantage in Turn 5 by failure to protect/defend the inside.
To win a race you must remain aware till the chequered flag. When under attack, cover your bases. Verstappen was aware - Hamilton apparently wasn't. Also taking into consideration earlier achievements throughout the 2021 season, Verstappen showcased during the final shootout lap against his main rival Hamilton that he did deserve the 2021 WDC title.
 |
Of all the stuff said here this is what draws your ire? I really can’t figure you out. Plenty of other politicized comments all the time in these threads.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GuidoK
Fact: Hamilton could have come in for fresh tyres just as well as Verstappen did....
The difference is that Hamilton didn't and Verstappen did...
|
Why would they? They had no idea Masi would change the rules and if they do come in there is a very good chance Max doesn’t and they give him the lead. Nobody would’ve came in for tires in MB/Lewis’s situation at that time.