Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has “peace” with Max Verstappen as Formula 1 champion despite the events of Abu Dhabi.
The Austrian famously told former FIA race director Michael Masi that his decisions during a late Safety Car period were “so not right” after the Red Bull driver overtook Lewis Hamilton on the final lap to win the title at Yas Marina.
Mercedes unsuccessfully protested the result, arguing the procedures had been followed correctly before the Safety Car restart and opted not to appeal.
However, in the months that followed, the FIA conducted an investigation that did conclude Masi made a “human error” though made his decisions “in good faith”.
Changes were then made to the race management structure, and two new race directors were brought in to replace Masi, who subsequently left the governing body in July.
But while Wolff still feels strongly about what happened in Abu Dhabi, he has accepted the outcome.
“I think about it every day,” the Mercedes chief told Motorsport.com. “But I have my peace with Max winning the championship because he’s a deserving champion.
“How it panned out, I think I have values around fairness and especially sporting fairness. This is what provides my fundamental love for the sport. And that was kicked with the feet on that particular day.”
Also Read:
- Masi reveals death threats, feared people ‘were going to get me’ after Abu Dhabi
- Verstappen a ‘deserving champion’, ‘time will move on’ from Abu Dhabi saga – Red Bull
On the changes to race management made by new FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Wolff does see progress.
“I think, the way he’s hiring and recruiting, shows for me direction,” he said.
“Every personality has his edges. And I think the primary objective of being transparent, providing good governance and a good framework is what I see happening.
“Will there be bumps on the road because Mohammed’s organisation needs to fall in place and everyone needs to find their role? Yeah, for sure. But I’m happy with how’s it going.
“They are open-minded. They are not opinionated. For me, transparent, honest and have integrity.”
As for Hamilton, he recently spoke about his feelings during those final laps in Abu Dhabi.
“You see things start to unfold and my worst fears came alive,” he told Vanity Fair.
“I was like, there’s no way they’re going to cheat me out of this. There’s no way. That won’t happen. Surely not.
“I don’t know if I can really put into words the feeling I had [after the race]. I remember just sitting there in disbelief.
“And realising I’ve got to undo my belts, I’ve got to get out of there, I’ve got to climb out of this thing, I’ve got to find the strength.
“I had no strength. It was one of the toughest moments, I would say, I’ve had in a long, long time.”
Over the radio, Hamilton suggested the race had been “manipulated” by Masi’s decisions, and that view hasn’t changed.
“I knew what had happened,” the seven-time world champion said. “I knew what decisions had been made and why. Yes, I knew something wasn’t right.
“I, for sure, considered whether I wanted to continue [in F1].”
