In one of the most contentious moments in modern Formula 1 history, the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw Lewis Hamilton seemingly cruising toward an unprecedented eighth world championship. But a fateful decision by then-race director Michael Masi altered the trajectory of F1 history, handing the title to Max Verstappen in a jaw-dropping final lap showdown. Now, former Haas team principal Gunther Steiner has reignited the debate, asserting that the entire debacle could have been avoided under a different race director’s guidance.
Steiner, never one to shy away from blunt commentary, has laid the blame squarely at the feet of Masi, claiming that the controversial decision to allow only a select number of lapped cars to unlap themselves directly influenced the outcome. According to Steiner, had former race director Charlie Whiting still been at the helm, Hamilton would have secured his eighth title without the shadow of controversy hanging over it.
“A Biblical Sh*t Show of Regulations”
Steiner didn’t mince words when describing the chaotic nature of that final lap. “Wherever your loyalties lie with that one (and yes, I agree, it was amazing entertainment), from a regulations point of view, it was a sh*t show of biblical proportions,” he exclaimed. For Steiner, the race highlighted what he sees as a critical flaw in how Masi handled the safety car situation following Nicholas Latifi’s crash.
The moment that threw Formula 1 into a global frenzy was Masi’s controversial decision to allow only the lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap themselves, creating a one-lap shootout that dramatically favored Verstappen, who had the advantage of fresher tires. It was a call that left fans divided and Mercedes fuming.
Steiner is adamant that Charlie Whiting, the much-respected former race director who passed away in 2019, would have handled the situation with far less controversy. “Oh, fok it,” Steiner quipped, “We all know what Charlie would have done. Had he been at the helm, Lewis would now be an eight-time world champion.”
Verstappen’s Swearing Incident: A Minor Misstep
Gunther Steiner didn’t stop with his criticism of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; he also came to the defense of Max Verstappen following the Dutchman’s recent outburst in a press conference. Verstappen used foul language while expressing his frustrations about Red Bull’s performance at the Azerbaijan GP, and while the incident sparked debate, Steiner shrugged it off.
“I think Max explained it correctly,” said Steiner. “He did not insult anyone, just used the F-word for a situation.”
Steiner’s relaxed stance toward Verstappen’s behavior contrasts sharply with the scrutiny Verstappen has faced from both fans and the FIA, particularly following his F1 success.
Red Bull’s Championship Battle: Pressure Mounting
As the 2024 F1 season heads into its final six rounds, the pressure on Red Bull and Max Verstappen is undeniable. Despite a rocky season and struggles with performance at various circuits, Verstappen still leads the drivers’ standings. However, McLaren has mounted an unexpected challenge in the Constructors’ Championship, sitting just 41 points ahead of Red Bull.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko remains confident that the Milton Keynes-based team can regain their dominance, claiming that two more race wins will likely secure the title. Steiner, however, suggests that the championship is far from decided, particularly with McLaren looking stronger than ever.
As the dust settles on the controversies of 2021 and the drama of 2024 unfolds, one thing is clear: in Formula 1, history is never just written on the track—it’s shaped by the decisions made behind the scenes. Whether it’s the legacy of Michael Masi’s fateful call or the mounting pressure on Red Bull, Formula 1 continues to deliver twists and turns both on and off the circuit.
