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Hamilton, Verstappen, Abu Dhabi

Bottas claims "messy" F1 finale "not fair" on Hamilton

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

Bottas claims "messy" F1 finale "not fair" on Hamilton

Hamilton lost out to Verstappen in Abu Dhabi

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Outgoing Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas believes the "messy" end to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was "not fair" on team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

Max Verstappen took full advantage of a late safety car period to overcome Hamilton and take his maiden F1 world drivers' title.

The way the safety car procedures were handled by FIA race control has come under scrutiny, with Mercedes having a protest against an alleged breach of Article 48.12 thrown out in Abu Dhabi and a subsequent intent to appeal notice pending.

Asked for his thoughts on the controversial end to the season, Bottas said: "I think with the safety car decision, I am sure they made the decision for safety reasons.

"There were men on track, a car sideways on the racing line so it makes sense to make a safety car, but then it was a bit messy.

"I got told that the lapped cars could overtake, but they didn't, then they were not allowed and they were allowed.

"That was a bit concerning but I don't know the background."

On whether clarity is needed ahead of the new season in 2022, Bottas, who will drive for Alfa Romeo next year, replied: "I am sure they will look into it.

"For the championship... it can happen but for Lewis, I feel it was not fair but that is how it goes sometimes.

"Sometimes it goes for you sometimes, sometimes it goes against."

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