Formula One finale to be reviewed by FIA for future lessons
The Hindu
The controversy surrounding the race is ‘tarnishing the image of the championship,’ says the FIA
The motorsports governing body for Formula One said it will conduct “a detailed analysis" of the wild ending at the season finale that decided the championship in favour of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.
The FIA said Sunday's title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix had created a controversy that is “tarnishing the image of the championship.” Verstappen claimed his first world title when he passed Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes on the final lap. He was given the opportunity after a key decision by race director Michael Masi.
Hamilton had led 51 of the 58 laps until a crash by Nicholas Latifi brought out the safety car with five laps remaining. Verstappen stopped under yellow for a fresh set of tires, and Masi flipped his decision and let the drivers separating Verstappen from Hamilton pass the safety car under yellow.