German FAZ: “If there was a violation, we will not forgive it” 002374

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is threatened with a penalty after the dramatic season finale, in which he missed his eighth world title in the very last round in a duel with the Dutchman Max Verstappen. In protest against the decisions made during the race in Abu Dhabi, the Briton decided not to take part in the FIA gala in Paris on Thursday. However, the rule stipulates that the top 3 in the world championship drivers’ standings must appear. “If there has been a violation, we will not forgive it. Rules are rules, ”said the new FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem.

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Mercedes had tried to challenge the race result at the season finale in Abu Dhabi because of two alleged violations of the FIA’s sporting regulations. It was about the crucial safety car phase in the final laps. Both protests were rejected by the race stewards. Mercedes later decided not to take any further legal action, so Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s first title win was official.

Ben Sulayem knows “that Lewis is really sad about what happened. I would say it’s broken. But we have to see if there has been a rule violation. ”Long-time rally driver Ben Sulayem was elected FIA President last Sunday to succeed Jean Todt.

After the Abu Dhabi incidents, it seems questionable whether Hamilton will return to Formula 1 again. So far, Sir Lewis has remained silent. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, a close confidante of Hamilton, said: “It will take a long time to digest what happened there. I don’t think we’ll ever get over it. That’s impossible. Especially not for him as a driver. ”On Friday, Mercedes published a few photos showing a smiling Hamilton returning to the factory in Brixworth. That’s it “The silence is there because he simply has no words,” said Wolff.

“I very much hope that Lewis continues”
Offended, angry, desperate – this is roughly how the emotional situation at Mercedes and Hamilton looks after the Briton came very close to his eighth world title in Abu Dhabi, before Verstappen (Red Bull) was the shining winner after a controversial decision by the race management . The Silver Arrows, on the other hand, are not going any further, but the topic is far from being ticked off. And many fans are wondering: is Hamilton stopping after the disappointment?

“I really hope that Lewis continues. And I think, as a racing driver, his heart will say, I have to go on, because he is at the peak of his ability, ”said Wolff, but of course the Austrian cannot be 100 percent sure. “I just have to do everything I can to help him overcome these current feelings so that he can return stronger next year,” said Wolff: “With a love of sport and confidence in the decision-making of sport. We very much hope that this will be the case. ”

Nobody has won more victories and pole positions (103 each) than Hamilton, together with Michael Schumacher he is the record world champion (7 titles) – for him, Hamilton is the “greatest driver of all time,” said Wolff. In addition, the Briton was knighted on Wednesday. At the age of 36, Hamilton, who grew up in humble circumstances, is now addressed on the island as “Sir”.

His contract with Mercedes runs until the end of the 2023 season, but Hamilton’s values and convictions were also “trampled underfoot” in Abu Dhabi, said Wolff. “We also have to overcome the pain that was inflicted on him on Sunday, because he is a man with clear values,” said Wolff, “it is difficult to understand that that happened.” In the future, it will also be about that such a scenario is not repeated, the rules become “more robust”. Wolff wants to campaign for this. And hopes that he will continue to have Hamilton by his side.