Mercedes withdraws appeal, Verstappen officially 1 F2021 world champion

Mercedes finally backed down. The Star brand announced this Thursday, December 16 at 11 a.m. that it would ultimately not appeal the decision rendered by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) concerning the safety car procedure in the final laps of the Grand Abu Dhabi Price Sunday December 12.

Team Statement - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix pic.twitter.com/tgrBjrNkcz

—Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 16, 2021

Here is the press release issued by the eight-time world champion team in the discipline:

 “Dear community and dear Formula 1 fans, We left Abu Dhabi in disbelief at what we had just seen. Of course, it's part of the game to lose a race, but it's different when you lose confidence in auto racing.

With Lewis (Hamilton), we deliberately thought about how to respond to the events of the Formula 1 season finale. We have always been guided by our love for this sport and we believe that every competition should be won on merit. During Sunday's race, many felt, including us, that the way things happened was not right.

The reason we protested the race result on Sunday was the new way of applying the safety car regulations. This affected the outcome of the race, as Lewis was in the lead and on course to win the world championship.

We appealed in the interests of sporting fairness, and we have since engaged in constructive dialogue with the FIA ​​and Formula 1 to create clarity going forward, so that all competitors know the rules under which they current and how they will be applied. . Thus, we welcome the FIA's decision to install a commission to analyze in depth what happened in Abu Dhabi and improve the robustness of the rules, governance and decision-making in Formula 1 We are also pleased that they have invited the teams and drivers to take part.

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas team will actively work with this commission to build a better Formula 1 – for every team and every fan who loves this sport as much as we do. We will hold the FIA ​​accountable for this process and we hereby withdraw our appeal. »

Mercedes shows fair play by congratulating their rival Max Verstappen (Red Bull), who definitively obtained the first title of his career in F1. “To Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing : We would like to express our sincere respect for what you have achieved this season. You made this fight for the Formula 1 championship title truly epic. Max, we congratulate you and your entire team. We look forward to bringing you the battle on the track next season. »

The team salutes the performance of its star driver Lewis Hamilton, who remains for another year, with seven world titles. “Lewis, you are the greatest driver in Formula 1 history and you have put your heart and soul into every lap of this incredible season. You are a flawless athlete on and off the track and you delivered a flawless performance. As a competitor and as a role model to millions around the world, we salute you. »