Guenther Steiner, former Haas F1 Team Principal made even more popular by his appearances on Netflix's Drive to Survive, has made an unapologetic critique of the FIA, centered on the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The race's contentious ending has become one of the most fiercely debated topics in motorsport. According to Steiner, the FIA’s decision-making during the race unfairly damaged Lewis Hamilton's bid for an unprecedented eighth World Championship, favoring Max Verstappen instead.
The 2021 race at Abu Dhabi is remembered for a decision made by Race Director Michael Masi. During a late-race safety car , Masi permitted only a select group of lapped cars to overtake to move them back into position, a move perceived by many as crucial in setting the stage for Verstappen’s victory that evening. Public opinion remains divided, with some spectators viewing this as unjustly snatching a win from Hamilton, while others argue it was essential, boosting the excitement of the final race of one of the most interesting seasons in Formula 1 history.
Steiner’s commentary, found in his new book Unfiltered, pulls no punches in its assessment of the situation.
“Wherever your loyalties lie, and yes, it was amazing entertainment, from a regulations point of view, it was a s*** show of biblical proportions,” Steiner bluntly stated. He reminisced about the late FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting, suggesting that under Whiting’s management, Hamilton “would now be an eight-time world champion.”
The race in question hasn't just sparked a heated debate; it has perpetuated a challenging period for Lewis Hamilton. Since that dramatic season finale, the Mercedes driver hasn't managed to find anywhere near the same amount of dominance he'd enjoyed previously. Nonetheless, at the age of 39, Hamilton ended a lengthy winless run by standing at the top of the podium at the British Grand Prix this year, followed by a win at Belgium, too.
"It's been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions," Hamilton said as he confirmed he was leaving Mercedes for The Scuderia.
"After an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.
"But as you all now know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025. I feel incredibly fortunate, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only have dreamed of as a kid, that I now have the chance to fulfil another childhood dream.
"Driving in Ferrari red. Mercedes has been a huge part of my life since I was 13 years old, so this decision has been the hardest I’ve ever had to make. I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve achieved together and I’m very grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone I have worked with over the years and of course Toto, for his friendship, guidance and leadership.
"Together we have won titles, broken records and become the most successful Driver-Team partnership in F1 history. And of course I cannot forget Niki who was a huge supporter and who I still miss everyday.
It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions.
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) February 3, 2024
But as you all now know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.
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Hamilton is now starting a new chapter of his storied career with Ferrari, leaving behind a 11-year legacy with Mercedes, but there are rumblings about whether Ferrari can build a competitive car capable of meeting Hamilton's championship aspirations. Driving alongside Charles Leclerc, the Briton is looking to give it his all to take the 8th championship win that many believe he is capable of.
