Petition to Overturn Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 In Favor Of Lewis Hamilton Gains Massive Traction
Giancarlo Perlas April 14, 2023
A petition has been created by a Formula 1 fan who is unhappy with the outcome of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021. So far, it is fast approaching 100,000 signatures. The race, which took place on December 12th, 2021, will forever be remembered in the history of the sport due to the controversial finish that has left some fans feeling aggrieved.
The Battle for the 2021 Title
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen had been locked in a fierce battle for the championship during the 2021 season. However, the defining moment down to the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi. Hamilton was on the verge of breaking Michael Schumacher’s record of seven World Championship titles when a crash from Williams driver Nicholas Latifi triggered a Safety Car finish.
Controversial Decision
However, the race director, Michael Masi, made a controversial decision to allow only the lapped cars to un-lap themselves, creating a dramatic climax to the race. This decision gave Verstappen the opportunity to overtake Hamilton and win the Grand Prix, thus, denying the eighth world title of the Mercedes driver.
Outrage Among Fans
The controversial decision has caused outrage among some fans, and an ongoing petition started by Patel Gordon-Bennet on Change.Org is being inundated with signatures to protest the outcome of the race. The appeal argues that justice was not served, and that allowing the lapped cars to un-lap themselves was a violation of the rules of the sport. Currently, the petition has over 93,000 signatures out of its 150,000 target.
Calls for Justice
The petition calls for justice, honesty, and fairness, arguing that leaving the decision as it stands would send the wrong message to young people and future racers. It is not just fans who are unhappy with the outcome of the race; even Hamilton has made it clear that he has no interest in speaking to Masi about how events unfolded ever again.
Final Thoughts
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 will forever be remembered for the controversial finish that has certainly left a bad taste for hardcore fans of F1. While it remains to be seen whether the petition will have any impact on the outcome of the race, it is clear that there are many people who feel that justice was not served on that fateful day.
