Mercedes withdrew its appeal for the Drivers’ Championship, meaning Max Verstappen has been confirmed as world champion.
Mercedes appealed and protested against the FIA for their shambolic decision at the Abu Dhabi GP. They believed that the decision cost Lewis Hamilton the championship, and cost them a double win.
However, in a shocking turn of events, Mercedes withdrew their appeal for the Drivers’ Championship, releasing a statement about the decision to back down.
“We left Abu Dhabi in disbelief of what we had just witnessed,” the statement read.
“Of course, it’s part of the game to lose a race, but it’s something different when you lose faith in racing.
“Together with Lewis, we have deliberated carefully over how to respond to the events at the Formula 1 season finale. We have always been guided by our love of this sport and we believe that every competition should be won on merit.”
Team Statement – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix pic.twitter.com/tgrBjrNkcz
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 16, 2021
On to the next one
“In the race on Sunday many felt, us included, that the way things unfolded was not right,” the team continued.
“The reason we protested the race result on Sunday was because the Safety Car regulations were applied in a new way that affected the race result, after Lewis had been in a commanding lead and on course to win the World Championship.
“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.
“To Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing: we would like to express our sincere respect for your achievements this season. You made this Formula 1 Championship title fight truly epic. Max, we congratulate you and your entire team.
“We look forward to taking the fight to you on the track next season,” it concluded.