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FIA to investigate how Verstappen's title was established

21:04, 15 Dec 2021

byGPblog.com

After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there was quite some commotion. Formula 1 received a lot of criticism on how they handled the final stage of the race at the Yas Marina Circuit. The FIA recognises that some things may need to be clarified in the future to 'safeguard the integrity of the sport'. For that reason, all parties involved will sit down together for an analysis of what happened.

On its own website, the FIA writes: "The circumstances surrounding the use of the Safety Car following the incident of driver Nicholas Latifi, and the related communications between the FIA Race Direction team and the Formula 1 teams, have notably generated significant misunderstanding and reactions from Formula 1 teams, drivers and fans, an argument that is currently tarnishing the image of the championship and the justifiable celebration of world titles for Verstappen and Mercedes."

A report will be drawn up detailing all the events that took place from the time of Latifi's crash. Jean Todt, as president of the International Motorsport Federation, has asked the World Motor Sport Council if a detailed analysis and clarification for the future with all relevant parties can take place. This proposal was voted for unanimously.

Discussions in F1

"This matter will be discussed and addressed with all the teams and drivers to draw any lessons from this situation and clarity to be provided to the participants, media, and fans about the current regulations to preserve the competitive nature of our sport while ensuring the safety of the drivers and officials. It is not only Formula 1 that may benefit from this analysis, but also more generally all the other FIA circuit championships."

The FIA hopes to draw conclusions before the start of the new season based on the report delivered and the discussions held.