The tension of the final lap at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP remains a wound that hasn't fully healed for Toto Wolff. Yet, behind that, the Mercedes boss now admits he has made peace with the past—and even offers a candid acknowledgment about Max Verstappen.
In a recent interview on the SAP podcast, Wolff revisited the controversial memory that changed the course of Formula 1 history. At that time, Verstappen claimed his first world title from Lewis Hamilton in a situation that sparked lengthy debate.
Race Director Michael Masi's decision to allow lapped cars to unlap themselves under the late Safety Car became the turning point. Verstappen, on fresher tires, surged past Hamilton at the final corner and finished the race as winner and world champion.
“Abu Dhabi,” Wolff replied when asked which moment stands out most from the 2021 season. “Eight constructors' championships is nice, and it's something that hasn't been done before in any other sport, so that was a good moment. But then how that race panned out? That's still something which is going to stick forever. Now I've made my peace and so did Lewis.”
Nevertheless, Wolff didn't hesitate to acknowledge Verstappen's achievement. “Max is a deserving World Champion, definitely, and the season isn't defined by one single afternoon or evening,” he asserted. He also recalled the turbulent season for Mercedes, including Hamilton's disqualification in Brazil which he deemed unfair.
“From then on, Lewis was unleashed—the best Lewis I've seen in those years. But at the end, it didn't happen,” Wolff added, referring to Hamilton's failure to retain the title.
That failure marked the beginning of a title drought for Mercedes. But now, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli leading the drivers' standings by 59 points, the Brackley-based team's new direction is starting to look bright.
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