Verstappen-Hamilton duel at Yas Marina: Masi’s warning

Prevention is better than cure.

For the first time since the 2016 electric finale between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, the Drivers' world title will be decided during the last round of an already historic and stormy season.

Max Verstappen and Hamilton enter the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tied on points – 369,5 units on each side -, the driver Red Bull retaining the lead in the ranking thanks to a higher number of victories (9 against 8).

Tension rose again last weekend in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) after a chaotic and farcical Grand Prix where the contenders for the crown clashed on several occasions.

Anxious to avoid an escalation which nevertheless seems inevitable, Michael Masi wanted to remind us of a few basic rules on the eve of the grand final.

In his traditional pre-GP instructions, the FIA ​​race director mentioned several articles of the International Sporting Code evoking the need to respect sporting equity and fair play.

Here are the articles in question:

9.15.1 The Competitor will be responsible for the actions and omissions of any person participating in, or performing a service on his behalf in connection with a Competition or Championship; this concerns in particular its direct or indirect employees, its Drivers, its mechanics, its consultants or service providers or its passengers as well as any person to whom the Competitor has allowed access to the Reserved Spaces.

12.2.1 Any of the following faults or infractions, in addition to those specifically mentioned previously or subsequently, will be considered an infraction of these rules:

• 12.2.1.l Any violation of the principles of fairness in the Competition, unsporting behavior or attempt to influence the result of a Competition in a manner contrary to sporting ethics.

12.4.5 For all FIA Championships, cups, trophies, challenges or series, the sports stewards may also decide to impose the following penalties: Suspension for one or more Competitions, withdrawal of points for the Championship, cup, trophy, challenge or series.

12.4.5.a Points should not be withdrawn separately for Drivers and Competitors except in exceptional circumstances.

Remember that in 1997, Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) had been demoted from the championship for having attempted to voluntarily eliminate his competitor Jacques Villeneuve (Williams) during a very high tension final near Jérez (Spain). The German driver, however, retained his points and the 5 victories gleaned that year.

Messrs Verstappen and Hamilton, you have been warned!