F1 Chief Hopes for Controversy-Free Abu Dhabi Title Decider

As Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri prepare for the title showdown in Abu Dhabi, F1 chief Stefano Domenicali expresses his singular wish: to avoid the controversy that marred the 2021 season finale. Domenicali hopes for a clean, undisputed race to crown the 2025 champion.

Why it matters:

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix left a lasting scar on Formula 1, with its controversial Safety Car restart and the subsequent fallout. Avoiding a repeat is crucial for the sport's integrity and for ensuring that the focus remains on the drivers' performance rather than external interventions. A clean title decider will solidify the credibility of the F1 championship.

The big picture:

The 2021 season finale saw Max Verstappen snatch the title from Lewis Hamilton on the final lap, following a contentious decision by then-race director Michael Masi to unlap only certain cars under the Safety Car. This ignited a firestorm of debate, with many fans and pundits feeling Hamilton was 'robbed' of an eighth world title. The incident led to Masi's removal and significant revisions to race control procedures.

The details:

• 2021 Controversy Revisited: The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw Verstappen and Hamilton enter the final race tied on points. A late crash by Nicholas Latifi prompted a Safety Car. Mercedes kept Hamilton out on old tires, while Red Bull pitted Verstappen for fresh ones.
• Race Director's Call: Masi's controversial decision to allow only the cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap themselves created a one-lap sprint to the finish. Verstappen, with superior grip, overtook Hamilton to win the race and the championship.
• Divided Opinions: The outcome remains a point of contention, with some arguing it was a justified 'let them race' decision and others claiming it was manipulated.
• 2025 Title Scenario: This Sunday's race features a three-way title fight. Lando Norris leads Max Verstappen by 12 points, with Oscar Piastri a further four points behind. While not a winner-takes-all situation for all three, Safety Cars, VSCs, and penalties could significantly influence the outcome, adding layers of complexity for new race director Rui Marques.

What's next:

F1 and race director Rui Marques face immense pressure to manage this multi-driver title decider flawlessly. Domenicali's public statement underscores the sport's desire to move past the 2021 controversy and ensure a fair and undisputed conclusion to the 2025 season. The world will be watching to see if the lessons from the past have truly been learned, hoping for a spectacle that celebrates pure racing skill without external drama.