Lewis Hamilton comments on 2021 title as Verstappen faces FIA decision…

Lewis Hamilton was clear in his opinion that his 2021 title was snatched away from him unjustly when, on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he was passed by Max Verstappen. Now the Mercedes driver may have another case for feeling aggrieved after the recent cost cap financial results were published — and once again, Red Bull will be feeling anxious about the prospect of losing their 2021 crown.

Mercedes had threatened to take their case to court in December last year after race director Michael Masi controversially allowed one final lap of racing after the safety car, a decision which went against protocol and was later found to have been “human error” in an FIA report. That one lap allowed Verstappen, on fresh rubber, to attack Hamilton on his used hard tyres and pass him with only a number of corners left.

“This is getting manipulated, man!” Hamilton told race engineer Peter Bonnington over team radio after had passed him on the track.

It was difficult not to sympathise with the seven-time champion as he watched on while his title was prised from his proverbial racing gloves. Still, the Briton remained humble in public towards Verstappen and Red Bull after the pair had shared an incredible title battle and his dignified response spoke to the 37-year-old’s class.

“Firstly a big congratulations to Max and to his team,” Hamilton said at the time. “I think we did an amazing job this year. My team, everyone back at the factory, all the men and women we have and here have worked so hard this whole year.

“It’s been the most difficult of seasons and I’m so proud of them and so grateful to be a part of the journey with them. We gave it everything. This last part of the season, we gave it absolutely everything and we never gave up – that’s the most important thing.”

Mercedes conceded that, while they would have won their appeal in the court, the title may not have been theirs to keep and settled for a public address from the FIA admitting the errors from Masi, who was subsequently thrown under the bus and left his role. But the FIA’s revelation that the Milton Keynes-based manufacturer have incurred a ‘minor breach’ of the 2021 cost cap regulations will only ignite the fury within Hamilton and Mercedes once again.