‘Abu Dhabi 2021 unfair but neither Hamilton or Verstappen did anything wrong’ 

Eddie Jordan has weighed in on the controversial finish to the 2021 F1 world championship between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. 
Lewis Hamilton (GBR), Mercedes AMG F1 and Max Verstappen (NLD), Red Bull
Lewis Hamilton (GBR), Mercedes AMG F1 and Max Verstappen (NLD), Red Bull

Hamilton dominated the now notorious 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and appeared on course to win both the race and a record eighth world title until a late Safety Car period. 

Remote video URL

Former F1 race director Michael Masi’s incorrect interpretation of the Safety Car procedure forced a contentious one-lap sprint to the finish that altered the outcome of the world championship. 

Hamilton, left helpless on old tyres, was overtaken by Verstappen - whose Red Bull team had gambled to pit under the Safety Car for new rubber - as the Dutchman snatched both the win and his maiden drivers’ title at the death. 

Speaking about the controversial showdown in an interview with London Luxury Afloat, ex-F1 team boss Jordan said the way things unfolded was “a little bit unfair”. 

Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W12 leads Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB16B on the final lap of the
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W12 leads Max Verstappen (NLD) Red…

“I find it a little bit unfair,” Jordan explained. “I don’t see a difference between a Virtual Safety Car and an actual one. 

“If it had been a Virtual Safety car then Lewis would’ve been the champion, but the Safety Car made it possible for Max to come in for tyres. 

“I am not taking preferences, but if I would’ve been on Lewis’s side then I would have been saying; hold on, that’s really unfair. Neither of them did anything wrong at all.” 

Jordan added: “However, I cannot choose between the two drivers. They are both amazing, nice people. 

“I would have them both welcome in my family as my sons at any stage, they are really cool guys but very determined and committed at the same time.” 

Read More