Gunther Steiner claims the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi GP would’ve been handled differently if Michael Masi was not the race director.
Lewis Hamilton looked set to win his eighth world championship title in 2021, which would have made him the most successful driver in Formula 1 history.
He performed exceptionally well throughout the season, demonstrating remarkable skill and strategy.
However, a controversial ending at the Abu Dhabi GP involving a disputed safety car decision resulted in Max Verstappen clinching the title.
Former Hass team principal Gunther Steiner has claimed Hamilton would’ve won if Michael Masi had not made the decision to deploy safety cars.
He criticized Masi’s decision to deploy the safety car after a crash and allow only the lapped cars between Hamilton and Max Verstappen to unlap themselves. This led to a one-lap shootout that favored Verstappen, who had fresher tires.
Wherever your loyalties lie with that one (and yes, I agree, it was amazing entertainment), from a regulations point of view it was a shit show of biblical proportions, and regardless of what decision Charlie Whiting might have made in Michael Masi’s position there would have been far less controversy and embarrassment.
Gunther Steiner wrote in his book ‘Unfiltered‘
Steiner asserts that Charlie Whiting, who was the racing director before Masi, would have handled the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP differently.
Oh, fok it. We all know what Charlie would have done. Had he been at the helm Lewis would now be an eight-time world champion.
Gunther Steiner added
Gunther Steiner claims Max Verstappen didn’t offend anyone by swearing in press conference
Gunther Steiner defended Max Verstappen during the swearing drama in which the Dutchman used foul language in a press conference while discussing his car’s condition. Steiner explained that Verstappen’s frustration about Red Bull’s performance in Baku caused him to use foul language.
I think Max explained it correctly. He did not insult anyone, just used the F-word for a situation.
Gunther Steiner told GPblog.com
The 2024 F1 season has six rounds remaining. Red Bull needs 41 points to reclaim their lead from McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has claimed that winning just two more races will accomplish this and allow Max Verstappen to maintain his lead and secure his fourth F1 title.
