
An unpublished footage from last season’s dramatic final lap of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is emerged recently proves collaboration between Red Bull team manager Jonathan Wheatley and Formula 1 race director Michael Masi.
The latest audio clearly reveals Masi and Wheatley in conversation, with the race director agreeing with Wheatley’s calls for the five cars to unlap themselves on the final lap.
Final safety car withdrawing decision gifting maiden F1 title to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, 24, from rival Lewis Hamilton in dramatic fashion two months ago, with F1 fans expressing doubtfulness in the decision-making of Masi in the final knockings of the race.
Please read below full conversation:
Wheatley to Masi: “Obviously those lapped cars, you don’t need to let them go… right the way around and let them catch up with the back of the pack.”
Masi to Wheatley: “Understood.”
Wheatley to Masi: “You need to let them go…”
Masi to Wheatley: “Understood, just give me a second.”
Wheatley to Masi: “…and then we got a motor race on our hands.”
Masi to Wheatley: “Understood.”
Mercedes to Hamilton: We believe they may restart the race like this (with the lapped cars still in position)
Red Bull to Verstappen: I think all the cars ahead of you are going to pass Hamilton, everyone behind you will stay in position.
During the race Masi snapped at Toto Wolff, the Mercedes Team Principal as Wolff showed his displeasure at the move
Masi responded to Mercedes: “It’s called a motor race,” which was what Red Bull’s Jonathan Wheatley had said to Masi.
Former F1 world champion Damon Hill Replying to @F1_Jordan and @F1: Jordan, sorry to burst your hot air balloon, but its not new or emerging news. It does however make for uncomfortable listening, as it did at the time. No-one (except Red Bull) is happy about this. The question is, what does one do about it? Grateful for any ingenious ideas F1.
@F1_Jordan Replying to @HillF1 and @F1: Hey Damon, thanks for following. What does anyone do when someone is the victim of injustice? Often what’s done is done, but justice is achieved by admission of guilt from those involved or they are shown to be guilty. And an apology to Lewis from F1 and FIA would help.
Damon Hill to @HillF1: I think an apology is due to Hamilton and to all F1 fans. But it won’t change the result of the 2021 F1 Championship. That is the whole point of my argument. Sacking Masi will not change the result. It may even be better for Hamilton of he stays! He owes him! #f1
There has been a lot of support for the latest revelation from the fans of the team and the driver. The fans feel that FIA must take this into the account and accept the mistake committed during the finale of the 2021 season.