FIA categorically refute Lewis Hamilton's commercial claim over Belgian GP

Belgian Grand Prix

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FIA categorically refute Hamilton's commercial claim over Belgian GP

Lewis Hamilton claimed "money talks" as to why 'race' was run

Ian Parkes

Wednesday 1 September 2021 05:00

FIA race director Michael Masi has strongly refuted claims there was any commercial pressure from F1 to run the Belgian Grand Prix at a rain-lashed Spa Francorchamps.

Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton suggested immediately after the two-lap event behind the safety car that the only reason why that happened was that "money talks".

The inference from Hamilton was that F1 stood to gain from its contracts with the circuit, television companies and sponsors by ensuring there was a classified race.

Asked directly whether there were any commercial pressures, Masi replied: “Absolutely not.”

Pressed on whether anybody had spoken to him about it, Masi insisted: "No. None. Zero. Never. “Never and it would never become part of my consideration.”

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As to whether anyone from F1 had spoken to him during the race, he said: “I speak to Formula 1 to keep them updated regularly.

"Particularly from a television perspective because, obviously, they are broadcasting the world feed and so I always keep them updated regularly.

“We’ve got direct communication with the timing room, with everyone to keep everyone up to date because obviously the pictures that are delivered and the graphics for everyone at home are generated through them.”

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