Mercedes files complaint against Verstappen and Red Bull

The German team has not said its last word and intends to go before the panel of commissioners to challenge Max Verstappen's victory in Abu Dhabi.

Published on 12/12/2021 à 17:08

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Mercedes files complaint against Verstappen and Red Bull

Mercedes decided to lodge a complaint with the FIA after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. ©DPPI

It was necessary to suspect it, Mercedes does not intend to stop there after the final lap of discord at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Defeated among the Pilots by Max Verstappen, the German team decided to file a complaint against the Dutchman and Red Bull with the commissioners, shortly after the race.

In question ? A possible non-compliance with article 48.8 of the FIA regulations according to Mercedes. As a reminder, this paragraph of the regulation stipulates, among other things, that “no driver may overtake another car on the track, including the Safety Car, until he crosses the line for the first time after the Safety Car has re-entered the pits.". Does the German team consider that Max Verstappen would have temporarily overtaken Lewis Hamilton under Safety Car regime in the 57th of 58 laps of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix? It's a possibility. After looking into the matter, the race management decided to dismiss Mercedes while considering that the complaint was “admissible”.

Urban artist Toto wolff and his men contested the final classification of the race via article 48.12 of the same regulations. The official document does not specify the exact point of settlement Mercedes is making a claim on. Summoned, Mercedes was represented by Andrew Shovlin, director of engineering, and Ron Meadows, the sporting director, before the commissioners.

Mercedes' first complaint

Mercedes' second complaint

Second (bis) complaint from Mercedes

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