F1 fans expressed disappointment with pundit David Croft revisiting the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP scandal, where Lewis Hamilton failed to clinch his eighth world championship. Many reacted harshly, stating that it is time for fans and pundits to move on from the incident.

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains one of the most controversial race weekends in F1’s recent history. After Nicholas Latifi crashed in the final few laps, a safety car was deployed.

Moreover, then race director Michael Masi made some controversial calls, which led to Max Verstappen overtaking Hamilton on the final lap to clinch his maiden championship.

Meanwhile, at the Abu Dhabi GP 2024, F1 analyst Croft revisited the incident, saying he still receives concerning messages from Hamilton’s fans. According to Planet F1, the pundit said he tries to ignore the messages rather than take a side.

“We still remember it. The rules weren’t followed. We know that, we’ve read the report. It’s not going to change. What can I say? Probably nothing, because whatever I do say, it’s going to be wrong. So I try and ignore it, to be fair,” said Croft.
However, fans were unimpressed with Croft’s comments. Many reacted negatively, suggesting it was time for people to move on from the incident.

“Oh my good grace, every 2 weeks the same crying game! Get a life it’s history,” a fan wrote.
A fan even claimed that Croft is a part of the Lewis Hamilton fan army.

“And still Crofty goes on about it – anyone would have thought he is part of #Cult44.”
“It really is a deranged sickness that they have. They cannot accept reality. It’s gotten to the point of being laughable. They are so sick that it’s funny. Very sad,” said a fan.
“OMG, has there been a race, where some “fans” have been crying about for longer as this one?,” another one wrote.
“Still We Cry @CroftyF1,” added a fan.
“3 years later? Get a life!” a user exclaimed.
Following the controversial outcome, FIA sacked race director Michael Masi, acknowledging that his actions were human error. However, the championship points weren’t revised, and Verstappen was allowed to keep his maiden championship title.

The 2021 Abu Dhabi GP was Lewis Hamilton’s best opportunity to win his record-breaking eighth title. Since then, Mercedes has witnessed a steep downward trend in terms of performance, which reportedly prompted the 39-year-old to terminate his 11-year tenure with the Silver Arrows and jump ships to Scuderia Ferrari.

George Russell credits Lewis Hamilton for beating him at Abu Dhabi 2024
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell (Image Source: Getty)
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell (Image Source: Getty)
In his final race with Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024, Lewis Hamilton went from P16 to finish P4 ahead of his teammate George Russell. The former passed his teammate on the final lap to end his 11-year tenure on a high.

Despite the setback, Russell said Hamilton deserved to beat him as he had superior pace and performance throughout the weekend. Moreover, with the Abu Dhabi GP being his final GP with Mercedes, the 26-year-old was more than happy to concede. Speaking to F1.com, he said:

“Lewis drove an amazing race, he’s been quicker than me all weekend and deservingly finished ahead. But we can’t be on it every single weekend, and this has probably been on a personal level the most challenging weekend. But we’ve had so many great weekends on the flip side, so you have to look at it both ways.”
Hamilton wrapped up his 2024 F1 season with 223 points. However, he ranked below his Russell in the drivers’ championship standings at P7. He won two races and secured three additional podiums, ending his two-year winless drought.

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Edited by Tushar Bahl