Red Bull remind Mercedes 'Lauda backed let them race principle'
Sam Hall
Tuesday 14 December 2021 04:00
Red Bull team principal Chrisitan Horner has struck back at Mercedes by reminding Toto Wolff that Niki Lauda "pushed hard" for the 'let them race' principle to be introduced in F1.
Three-time world champion Niki Lauda was a crucial member of the Mercedes set up until his passing in 2019, holding the position of non-executive chairman.
The Austrian played a key role in securing the services of Lewis Hamilton from McLaren in 2013 and acted as an advisor and confidant for team principal Wolff.
After the controversial way in which the 2021 championship was decided, Lewis Hamilton losing in a final-lap shootout to Max Verstappen, Horner reminded Mercedes of Lauda's belief in the 'let them race' system.
“We never wanted to end up in front of the stewards," said Horner after Mercedes had two protests dismissed by the stewards.
"There was obviously a lot of debate before the race. As it turned out, it was very different after the race but we don’t go racing with barristers and so on. It was a shame it ended up there but the stewards’ made the right call.
“We’ve talked about 'let them race'. Niki Lauda was the guy that pushed hard for it and we’ve always talked about not finishing races under safety cars.
"I think the race director in difficult circumstances made absolutely the right call."
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/73...ace-principle/
Mercedes’ post-title appeal suddenly in doubt
ANDREW MAITLAND
DECEMBER 14, 2021
Max Verstappen has revealed that Mercedes boss Toto Wolff finally offered belated congratulations for his title win the day after Sunday’s epic and controversial 2021 season finale.
While Lewis Hamilton and his father Anthony both personally congratulated the new world champion immediately after the race in Abu Dhabi, a furious Wolff chose instead to focus on first protesting and then vowing to appeal the decisions of race management.
But it now emerges that Mercedes may in fact let Thursday’s deadline for pushing ahead with the appeal process pass, with London’s Times newspaper saying Wolff fears a PR backlash and reputational damage.
Red Bull clearly intends to fight any official appeal, with Red Bull boss Christian Horner flying back to the UK to prepare for that rather than taking part in any extended celebrations in the Middle East.
Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone certainly advises Mercedes to drop it.
When told that Hamilton suspected the FIA had “manipulated” the race result, Ecclestone said: “I’d like to know who has been manipulating and is clever enough to do that.
https://grandpx.news/mercedes-post-t...enly-in-doubt/
Toto Wolff's 'private text' to Max Verstappen as Mercedes consider dropping appeal
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has reportedly sent a text to Max Verstappen congratulating him on winning his first F1 world title following a highly-controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
BY Nick Murphy
Sports Reporter
19:16, 13 DEC 2021
UPDATED19:55, 13 DEC 2021
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reportedly sent a congratulatory text message to Red Bull driver Max Verstappen in the wake of his World Championship win at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Wolff, who owns a 30% share in the German constructor, was probably more shellshocked than anyone at the way events unfolded at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Verstappen, 24, won his first title under the most dramatic of circumstances, capitalising on a late safety car and some questionable decisions from Michael Masi to pass Lewis Hamilton on the final lap.
Masi's decision to allow the five lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to overtake the safety car on the final lap of the race sparked fury in the Mercedes garage.
Continues here;
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1...dhabi-25688362
WILD ONE
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff filmed crowd surfing and partying the night away as he puts Lewis Hamilton disappointment behind him after dramatic Formula 1 title finale
Jackson Cole
13th December 2021, 11:08 am
Updated: 13th December 2021, 11:22 am
The Formula 1 title finale was as dramatic as they came and ended in heartbreak for Lewis Hamilton – but that didn’t stop Mercedes chief Toto Wolff from celebrating through the night.
Fans were treated to the most dramatic finish to a F1 season ever, as defending champion Hamilton was pipped to the post by Red Bull rival Max Verstappen on the final lap in the final race of the campaign.
Continues here;
https://talksport.com/sport/motorsport/1001477/
Max Verstappen Fans Are Crazy!
Aug 27, 2021
Chris Stone
Super Max is F1 world champion Yessss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1xgANtVtJw
Dutch Fans React to MAX VERSTAPPEN becoming F1 World Champion
Dec 12, 2021
What a crazy race to end this crazy season of F1, hope you enjoy the reactions.
BaboFromThe8
I literally woke up at 6AM and woke my parents up to watch the race, we were all so happy and hyped for Max. Mexico is Verstappen territory, cheers guys!
Martin Pospisil
I was crying when Max overtook Hamilto. Cheers from Czechia.
Haowei Tang
I started shouting “I cannot believe this” once Max defended Lewis’s attack one last time and headed to the last corner, then it was just tear and joy. Just as happy as u guys
Tech 4u
Praise to Perez for his loyalty and superb driving whole season long.
Also Honda did a good job bij finishing top 5 with 3x honda engines!
AceGoat
Absolutely incredible. I was cheering at the top of my voice. He deserved it in every way, most wins, most podiums, most fastest laps and most laps led. Verstappen/Redbull fan here from the UK
Hot Tamale Kid
Epic superMax! Checo’s battle with Lewis was legendary. The dynamic duo!! Can’t wait until next season
Kimi
I started balling when he got through the final corner. Hearing his radio made me 10 times more emotional. This is the most deserved championship win since Nico in 2016
Stacker Coding
I cant even just start to imagine how this feels for dutch people, I am from spain and I almost cried when I saw him crossing the finish line, such a good season he fought, we will remember this for decades, have a good one guys, enjoy it
chadbailey30
Not Dutch but this pretty much looks like how my house was in the US!!! All my kids love Max and went ape shit when he made that final pass
saitamahonda
Great reaction video! Half way around the world and we were going through the same feelings! Heart pounding! YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
nsky
I'm Brazilian, but I screamed as much as you guys, I probably bothered the neighborhood kkkkkkkk
suffer
i was screaming at the top of my lungs when he made that massive dive bomb into turn 5, then my stomach drop when lewis got a good run into turn 9, but i should've expected max to not back out! WORLD CHAMPION!!!!!!!!!!!
Justin Broniszewski
I'm still in shock! What a finish to an absolutely spectacular season. Congrats Max!!!
Justin Broniszewski
I'm still in shock! What a finish to an absolutely spectacular season. Congrats Max!!!
Shade 60
Best reaction video ive seen. My heart has never raced so hard like that last lap! Max is a fighter and he deserved the victory!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X99k2Ep9hUE
"This Is The Ultimate Dream" | Max Verstappen Interview After Winning World Title
Dec 13, 2021
New world champion Max Verstappen reflects on his journey from karting to his maiden Formula 1 title after his last gasp victory in Abu Dhabi.
Wynand Du Plessis
You can hear his respect and feelings for Lewis. Those people who accused him of being a bad winner with not acknowledging Lewis had it all wrong. Congratulations, Max - and all the Verstappens!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxBdYC6CQDc