Mercedes protest "sums up" season - Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen after winning the Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi — Photo: © LAT Images

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

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Mercedes protest "sums up" season - Verstappen

Verstappen clinched the championship in a controversial end to the championship

Sam Hall & Ewan Gale

Sunday 12 December 2021 18:45

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Max Verstappen believes Mercedes' protest in the wake of Lewis Hamilton missing out on the F1 world championship "sums up" the season.

Hamilton had the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix under control until the last lap, when after a controversial safety car period triggered by Nicholas Latifi's crash at turn 14, Verstappen was able to put fresh tyres to work and overtake his rival at turn five.

The procedures in place during the safety car period have been protested by Mercedes for alleged breaches of the sporting regulations, with questions raised over whether Verstappen overtook Hamilton before the safety car line and whether there should have been a further lap behind the safety car after allowing cars to un-lap themselves.

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Asked for his reaction to the protest, Verstappen answered: "Not much really to say about that. It sums up, a little bit, the season."

On the safety car restart, Verstappen added: "Well everything was clear so why would you then run another lap behind the safety car.

"When everything is clear, you have to release the track. Of course, now it works for me but it can also work against me. I know that."

Verstappen reflects on "tense" battle with Hamilton

After clinching his first championship, Verstappen was afforded a chance to reflect upon a stunning F1 season that ebbed and flowed throughout.

"In general, I think we have really enjoyed it. We had our moments but I think in a championship battle, that is part of it.

"Now that the season is over I think we can relax a bit more about it. It has been tense and the competition, almost every race we have pushing each other to the limit within our cars as well and I think that is really nice to see."