Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have "clear understanding of where line is" - FIA

Hamilton, Verstappen, Abu Dhabi — Photo: © LAT Images

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Hamilton and Verstappen have "clear understanding of where line is" - FIA

Masi has revelaed no talks have taken place with the two drivers

Ewan Gale

Sunday 12 December 2021 11:00

FIA race director Michael Masi has insisted Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have a "clear understanding of where the line is" ahead of the F1 title showdown at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Fears have grown at recent events that the thrilling end of season battle will end with a collision and subsequently take the fight to the stewards' office or courtroom.

With tensions flaring at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last weekend, where Verstappen was penalised for his driving conduct on two separate occasions, questions were asked as to whether the protagonists would be invited to talks with the FIA

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Asked by Sky Sports F1 if he had spoken to Hamilton and Verstappen in the build-up to the weekend, Masi replied: "No, [I] specifically haven't.

"I have spoken to each of the teams respectively, had the drivers briefing last night with the drivers involved so all of the drivers are on the same page.

"As a driver, deep down, they have a good sense of what's right and wrong. The title protagonists have a pretty clear understanding of where the line is."

Despite the enormity of the showdown between the two drivers, Masi is adamant the stewards will approach the weekend as they would for any other event and added: "From my perspective, it is not my decision for it to be decided in the stewards' room.

"There are two people involved from a championship perspective, being Max and Lewis respectively, and it is up to them.

"I think everyone has said, me included, the stewards included, that the last thing any of us want is for this to be decided in the stewards' room or for weeks to come in the court of appeal.

"I am quite hopeful that between them all, Mercedes and Red Bull, Max and Lewis that they want to sort it out on track in an exciting race to end what has been an exciting 2021 world championship."