Lewis Hamilton expects FIA action will ensure Abu Dhabi repeat "never happens"

Mercedes

Hamilton expects FIA action will ensure Abu Dhabi repeat "never happens"

Hamilton was speaking at the launch of the W13

Sam Hall & Ian Parkes

Monday 21 February 2022 08:00

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Lewis Hamilton is hopeful action taken by the FIA following an inquiry into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will ensure "this never happens to anybody else".

Hamilton missed out on a record-breaking eighth F1 drivers' world title following a late safety car period during the controversial Yas Marina championship decider last year.

Although Mercedes initially protested the outcome and submitted its subsequent notice of intent to appeal, the team backed out of launching a formal appeal following promises of "action" from the FIA.

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This action came last week as the FIA axed race director Michael Masi and introduced a number of changes to the decision making processes, including the introduction of a VAR style virtual race control room that "will help to apply the sporting regulations using the most modern technological tools".

Asked for his reaction to Masi's departure in a media briefing including GPFans, Hamilton explained: "Whilst we can't change the past, nothing will ever be able to change the way and how it felt at the time and how I feel about the situation, it is good to see that the FIA are taking steps to make improvements.

"I think accountability is key and we have to use this moment to make sure this never happens to anybody else in the sport ever again.

"Even with everything that was said by the FIA, and I welcome that, but we have to make sure we keep a close eye and make sure we actually are seeing those changes and rules are applied fairly, accurately and consistently."

Hamilton 'hasn't revisited' Abu Dhabi race

For all the success of Hamilton's career, the history books will likely dedicate just as many pages to the controversy of last year as they will to each of his championship-winning campaigns.

For Hamilton, however, there can be no looking back.

"I absolutely did not watch the race," Hamilton added. "It was something that was very clear in my mind, the experience and of course, it replayed in my mind quite a lot in the coming weeks after the race.

"I don't remember what I said to Max, it was all a bit of a blur after that.

"I have not revisited it. I don't particularly want to look backwards, I want to go forwards."