Lewis Hamilton Superfan Sells His Own Mercedes In Protest After Team Pulls Abu Dhabi Appeal

A Lewis Hamilton superfan is selling his own Mercedes after the Formula One team confirmed they would not be pursuing a legal appeal over the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Hamilton was denied a record-breaking eighth world title on Sunday after being overtaken by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen on the final lap at the Yas Marina Circuit, following a series of controversial calls from FIA race director Michael Masi.

Mercedes lodged two protests against the result of the race which were later rejected, and the team have confirmed they will not be pursuing the matter further.

Max Verstappen was crowned Formula One world champion after winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Image credit: Alamy)

Hamilton fan Neil Steele, who is from Rishton in Lancashire, says he is selling his Mercedes-AMG GLE63s as a “matter of principle” after the Formula One team decided to accept defeat.

"I am frustrated as a travelling fan to see an F1 world title decided in such unsavoury circumstances by an FIA race director,” he told The Sun.

"I trusted the Mercedes team to pursue their legal appeals in righting wrongs, with no realistic expectation of result change.

"They have a moral obligation to protect sporting integrity only to sell out the fans and Lewis Hamilton.

"Selling the car is petty and will have no material effect but it will make me feel better and on a matter of principle.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Hamilton is "disillusioned' (Image credit: Alamy)

"I will not support a team or brand that puts politics ahead of justice. Us, the fans, feel hugely let down, and we question Toto Wolff and Mercedes' values."

Steele also wrote on Twitter: "Dead serious about my car going by the way, if anyone is interested.

"Mercedes-AMG GLE63s, 5.5l v8 Bi-Turbo. 69 reg, 12500 miles... perfect condition.

"Plate not included. RT for me @MercedesAMGF1, selling because of you scabs..never again!!"

It is not the first time Steele has shown his support for seven-time world champion Hamilton.

Earlier this year, he chartered a plane to fly a message of support for the British driver over the Dutch Grand Prix.

Steele reportedly paid £1,600 for the plane to fly a banner with the message '7 X WDC. Simply lovely' in reference to Hamilton's title wins and Verstappen's catchphrase.

Topics: Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Formula 1

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan