sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Mercedes Set To “Scrap” Appeal Against Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton Shows His Class

Mercedes Set To “Scrap” Appeal Against Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton Shows His Class

It appears that the controversial result from Abu Dhabi has now been accepted.

James Hilsum

James Hilsum

Lewis Hamilton has shown his class after reports claimed he does not want to win an eighth F1 Drivers' Championship in court.

Mercedes were set to appeal the race result from Abu Dhabi last week, but will now drop those plans, according to the Daily Express.

Hamilton was cruising towards another title until a controversial final lap saw Max Verstappen claim his first title in controversial circumstances.

The Dutchman claimed a dramatic victory following the intervention of a safety car in light of Nicholas Latifi's crash.

It was initially indicated that lapped cars would not be able to unlap themselves while the damage was cleared.

But this directive was changed at the last moment, as the five lapped drivers were able to overtake the safety car, leaving a one-lap shootout between Hamilton and Verstappen.

Verstappen benefitted by having the fresher tyres and went onto secure his maiden title, in one of the most pulsating finishes to a season of all time.

PA: Lewis Hamilton
PA: Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes made two appeals following the conclusion of the race, but these were both dismissed by the FIA.

It seemed like a new bid to dispute the result was coming, but the Daily Mail has since reported that those plans have now been ditched, leaving Verstappen to continue celebrating what will surely be the first of many Drivers' Championships.


Hamilton's team have also had their concerns eased following a statement made by the FIA, who confirmed they will learn the lessons from Sunday's debacle heading into next season.

"Following the presentation of a report regarding the sequence of events that took place following the incident on lap 53, and in a constant drive for improvement, the FIA president proposed to the World Motor Sport Council that a detailed analysis and clarification exercise for the future with all relevant parties will now take place," read the statement, which was released on Wednesday.

"This will be discussed and addressed with all the teams and drivers to draw any lessons from this situation and clarity to be provided to the participants, media and fans about the regulations to preserve the competitive nature of our sport while ensuring the safety of the drivers.

"Following that presentation and an extensive discussion, the World Council has decided to unanimously support the president's proposal."

It will be fascinating to see what drama unfolds when the new F1 season begins in Bahrain on 20th March.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen