Martin Brundle slammed the conspiracy theories surrounding the Abu Dhabi GP, and insisted that he would not be picking sides.
Abu Dhabi played host to one of the most controversial races in F1 history. Those who watched it were happy for new champion Max Verstappen, but those who paid attention were certain Lewis Hamilton had been absolutely robbed.
The FIA’s horrendous decision to only let a certain number of cars unlap themselves was both illegal and farcical. It left race leader Hamilton vulnerable to an attack from Verstappen on fresher tyres, and that is exactly what happened.
Many fans accused the FIA of having Liberty Media in their earpiece, or TV rating issues, or wanting a new champion. Brundle slammed the conspiracy theories surrounding the Abu Dhabi GP, saying that although it was not ideal, the situation called for a slightly level-headed discussion.
Writing in his post-race Sky column, the Sky pundit said, “In hindsight this should have been a red flag so that everyone could reset, the track could be cleared, and we’d have a straight final championship duel on matching tyres from a standing start.
“However that would set a precedent for more red flags in the future. As potentially could have happened back in Azerbaijan, we don’t want a race, and so championship, finishing with the cars lined up stationary in the pit lane.”
Don’t jump to conclusions
“There are just under one thousand five hundred words in the sporting regulations defining the full Safety Car procedure including letting lapped cars through,” he continued.
“Once cars inevitably start pitting, especially the leaders, it’s not entirely straightforward to establish who is actually a lap down.
“I’m not going to make any accusations here whatsoever that there was any malice or intent in those decisions and actions because I have zero evidence or expectations in that respect, and you’ve all made your minds up anyway.
“I can understand why Mercedes and team Hamilton feel aggrieved, just as Red Bull would have done if the race finished behind the safety car. Talk about being between rock and a hard place,” he concluded.
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