F1: Mercedes withdraw appeal against controversial Verstappen title triumph, will ‘hold FIA accountable’ over investigation into Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- Constructor cites ‘constructive dialogue’ with sport’s governing body as reason for decision
- Lewis Hamilton was cruising to record eighth world championship before safety car was deployed gifting win to Red Bull rival
Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team are withdrawing their appeal against Max Verstappen’s controversial title-winning victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The team said on Thursday they made the decision after “constructive dialogue” with governing body FIA with regard to establishing clarity for future racing scenarios.
“We welcome the decision by the FIA to install a commission to thoroughly analyse what happened in Abu Dhabi and to improve the robustness of rules, governance and decision-making in Formula 1,” Mercedes said in a statement.
“We also welcome that they have invited the teams and drivers to take part.
“The Mercedes-AMG Petronas team will actively work with this commission to build a better Formula 1 – for every team and every fan who loves this sport as much as we do. We will hold the FIA accountable for this process and we hereby withdraw our appeal.”
Red Bull’s Verstappen claimed victory and the world title after the deployment of a late safety car in Sunday’s season-ending race in Abu Dhabi led to the Dutchman being placed right behind Hamilton, whom he then overtook on the final lap when the safety car was withdrawn.
