2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina, Dec 10 - 12

[Just_a_fan]

One thing about Masi's "I wanted them to race" argument is what would he have done if the crash were a lap later? He'd have had to restart with the cars between them or finish under the safety car as there wouldn't have been time even for his contrived nonsense. So really it's all obviously "for the show" shite and thus detracts from the excellent season the two contenders had between them. It just leaves a sour taste.

[pantherxxx]

One thing about Masi's "I wanted them to race" argument is what would he have done if the crash were a lap later? He'd have had to restart with the cars between them or finish under the safety car as there wouldn't have been time even for his contrived nonsense. So really it's all obviously "for the show" shite and thus detracts from the excellent season the two contenders had between them. It just leaves a sour taste.

But it didn't happen one lap later. It's f1, crashes and safety cars are not that uncommon.

[chrisgr]

So what will happen next year during safety cars? every car can overtake their car and then give the position back before the line? everyone will go side by side? can anyone imagine it? Maybe we should forget F1 as we know it. Maybe Liberty will make F1 entertainment and nothing more.

[jz11]

From mine point of view RB strategy departement were at much higher level than Merc's. Red Bull made fast and precision decisions during qualy and race.
Their strategy was spot on.

that is because they had the 2nd spot, they could react, and for them it boiled down essentially to do whatever the Lewis/Merc doesn't, because on the same exact strategy Lewis would always win, that was clear enough when Max couldn't close down the 17sec gap as quickly as he would have wanted (and expected) on the new hards, it went down to 12 (which was due to Lewis having to lap 4 car train) with what 8-9 laps before the SC came out?

what really interests me now (something we will never know because of the SC) is how much tire was left on LH car, how close he was to the cliff and did Max had any hope there, I'd guess - very little, he would probably end up some 3-4sec behind at the end if Lewis didn't get a puncture, he has always been extremely good (and lucky) with these mickey mouse tires

mixed feelings about this, I do think it was gifted to Max, which wasn't how I hoped he would win, but then again, that decision that even no investigation was necessary for cutting the track and not gaining an advantage (like retaining track position isn't an advantage any more...), and the fact that he lost 30-50 points due to how his direct competitors drove, I feel he deserved the crown, even when it basically fell into his lap there at the end

next season with the new cars can't come fast enough... so we can forget this one, way too much drama and controversy especially because of the weak race director and poor stewarding

I think in the future they should make the race directors channel one way only - he can give directions but doesn't need to explain himself then or go into discussions, that horse trading or even straight out demands (Toto wtf...) makes this whole thing look like circus, a la WWF

[TwanV]

"We'll see about next year."

Did Hamilton reveal his imminent retirement?

I expected Hamilton to announce his retirement if he won this championship, but it seems he has motivation to stay on.

I realise it is very easy for me to say this being in the camp of the guy who came out on top, really can you imagine the magic of another year (hoping we have some parity between cars) WC vs WC. He's not retiring, I don't think he possibly can now given his stature and character. One can hope.

[ringo]

Hamilton deserved this Championship. Those who think Max deserves it more, are ignoring that he was beaten over a season under racing conditions. At no point can we say Hamilton had any advantage because of irregularity in the regulations. Both drivers when racing on track, Hamilton has been the victor, the better racer, and the faster driver.
He has 7, so it's not like he needed this one, but it should not go down in this way with artificial advantages given to another driver so he can win. Max got his azz handed to him today, he should not be champion. It was 1 mercedes vs 2 redbull and Hamilton still outclassed them.
But lets leave it to the courts. If Mercedes win the case next year or whenever, and lewis get his championship silently, i think thats the just decision.
A sport cannot operate with manipulated rules. And Mercedes should not have to be robbed by a regulation breach. Even if they fire Masi, it's not enough. This is similar to using performance enhancing drugs in athletics, and usually, medals are taken away and handed to the rightful winners years later.

Any how Lewis is still champion to real fans of racing. This year is tainted and weak championship for red bull. I expect Lewis to convincingly take next year's. History will look back on this in a bad light.

[Just_a_fan]

One thing about Masi's "I wanted them to race" argument is what would he have done if the crash were a lap later? He'd have had to restart with the cars between them or finish under the safety car as there wouldn't have been time even for his contrived nonsense. So really it's all obviously "for the show" shite and thus detracts from the excellent season the two contenders had between them. It just leaves a sour taste.

But it didn't happen one lap later. It's f1, crashes and safety cars are not that uncommon.

I was making the point that it only worked for Masi and his "I want them to race" excuse because of the timing. A lap later and he wouldn't have been able to do it. A lap earlier and every car could have been let through and all of the front end could have fought for an improved place. As it was, one driver was given a free hit knowing that the guy behind him in the race was trapped behind a slower, already lapped, car. It is perfectly possible that Carlos could have had a run at both of them, for example, especially as they were tripping over each other. These things happen. Wouldn't have changed the result for Max as he'd still have taken the place he needed ahead of Lewis, but it might have given Carlos one or even two places. Carlos could have won if the other two had been too bust with each other to notice him.

How many safety cars have there been at Abu Dhabi? Some circuits have more than their fair share. I don't know the answer, just curious.

[west52keep64]

Hamilton deserved this Championship. Those who think Max deserves it more, are ignoring that he was beaten over a season under racing conditions. At no point can we say Hamilton had any advantage because of irregularity in the regulations. Both drivers when racing on track, Hamilton has been the victor, the better racer, and the faster driver.
He has 7, so it's not like he needed this one, but it should not go down in this way with artificial advantages given to another driver so he can win. Max got his azz handed to him today, he should not be champion. It was 1 mercedes vs 2 redbull and Hamilton still outclassed them.
But lets leave it to the courts. If Mercedes win the case next year or whenever, and lewis get his championship silently, i think thats the just decision.
A sport cannot operate with manipulated rules. And Mercedes should not have to be robbed by a regulation breach. Even if they fire Masi, it's not enough. This is similar to using performance enhancing drugs in athletics, and usually, medals are taken away and handed to the rightful winners years later.

Any how Lewis is still champion to real fans of racing. This year is tainted and weak championship for red bull. I expect Lewis to convincingly take next year's. History will look back on this in a bad light.

If you simply "delete" this race, Max is the WDC. Hamilton did an amazing job this season, but Max was marginally better. I do think Masi should go though, he's been an absolute disaster for F1.

Who else thinks the same? #MasiToGo ?

[DiogoBrand]

I still can't grasp why there wasn't a red flag. The crash would clearly take long to clear, so if they wanted so desperately for the season to end with the cars racing, a red flag was the best decision.

[DiogoBrand]

If you simply "delete" this race, Max is the WDC. Hamilton did an amazing job this season, but Max was marginally better. I do think Masi should go though, he's been an absolute disaster for F1.

Who else thinks the same? #MasiToGo ?

If we're able to delete races to argue who was the best driver, why not delete every race apart from Hungary and say Ocon deserved the championship?

[Just_a_fan]

So what will happen next year during safety cars? every car can overtake their car and then give the position back before the line? everyone will go side by side? can anyone imagine it? Maybe we should forget F1 as we know it. Maybe Liberty will make F1 entertainment and nothing more.

If Masi is still race director next year, I hope that at the first safety car in the season, Mercedes get on the radio and ask him what rules is he applying this time. "You know, Michael, just so we have a clue what to tell our drivers".

[siskue2005]

I still can't grasp why there wasn't a red flag. The crash would clearly take long to clear, so if they wanted so desperately for the season to end with the cars racing, a red flag was the best decision.

Exactly, they should have done something like Baku
Then no one would have minded if Max or Lewis wins it

[wesley123]

That is pure speculation. Present me the proof that Max has been chosen to win the title by FIA troughout the season.

Spa. The sunday was well clear that racing wasn't going to occur. Since the 2011 Canadian GP there is an maximum time of 4 hours in case of an obstructed event. Turns out that you can just conveniently stop this clock, which renders it's whole function completely useless.

Brazil. How anyone could debate that wasn't a penalty is far, far beyond me. And the next week Masi basically told everyone that they can just go and f* themselves.

It's really no secret that the sport would benefit from someone else winning the title. It was literally in their own interest to make sure that would happen.

[siskue2005]

If you simply "delete" this race, Max is the WDC. Hamilton did an amazing job this season, but Max was marginally better. I do think Masi should go though, he's been an absolute disaster for F1.

Who else thinks the same? #MasiToGo ?

If we're able to delete races to argue who was the best driver, why not delete every race apart from Hungary and say Ocon deserved the championship?

lol

[tpe]

We have to admit that we don't know the rules the same way FIA knows them and interpret them.
I don't recall anyone pointing to the rule Masi called, so, for me, the case is closed.