The ghost of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix refuses to rest, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reigniting the flames of one of the most contentious moments in Formula 1 history. In a fresh tirade, Wolff accused Red Bull’s Christian Horner of displaying “entitlement” by failing to acknowledge Mercedes’ plight after Max Verstappen’s dramatic and controversial title win over Lewis Hamilton.
Wolff’s Lingering Resentment
The explosive finale of the 2021 season saw Verstappen secure his first World Drivers’ Championship in circumstances that remain polarizing. While the drivers have seemingly moved on, Wolff admitted he has not, labeling the event a “sporting tragedy.”
In a recent interview, Wolff expressed frustration at what he perceived as a lack of grace from Horner and his team in the aftermath. According to the Austrian, Red Bull failed to recognize the magnitude of what Mercedes endured.
“I felt that the other side – and that’s not Max – there was not one sentence saying: ‘That was a difficult day for Mercedes, we acknowledge it. They’re both deserving champions, and today it went against Mercedes,’” Wolff said. “There was not one word from Christian or the other team [members] in acknowledging that. It was entitlement.”
Horner’s Silence and Wolff’s Frustration
Christian Horner has previously praised Hamilton’s composure during the aftermath of the 2021 controversy, describing his handling of the situation as “gracious.” However, Wolff dismissed these remarks, claiming Horner and Red Bull failed to extend any meaningful acknowledgment of the shared effort and stakes that characterized the season.
Wolff argued both Verstappen and Hamilton were equally deserving of the title due to their exceptional performances during the season.
“Both drivers were deserving champions because of the ups and downs of the season. Probably both should have been world champions,” Wolff stated. “Max was the stronger driver in the first half, Lewis was stronger in the second half. It was the same with the cars; both of them should have had the trophy.”
Hamilton and Verstappen: A Battle Respected
Despite the controversy, Verstappen and Hamilton themselves have not publicly dwelled on the events of 2021. Both drivers have maintained mutual respect and focused on their ongoing careers, including Hamilton’s anticipated 2025 season debut with Ferrari.
While Wolff continues to air grievances about the lack of acknowledgment from Red Bull, the drivers have seemingly reconciled and are gearing up for fresh battles in the upcoming season.
A Rivalry That Transcends One Season
The 2021 Abu Dhabi debacle remains a defining moment in F1’s modern history, with ripple effects still influencing the sport’s landscape. As Hamilton and Verstappen prepare for another round of fierce competition in 2025, Wolff’s sharp remarks serve as a reminder of how deep the scars of that night still run for Mercedes.
Will the brewing battles of the new season finally lay the ghosts of 2021 to rest, or will the rivalry continue to simmer both on and off the track? Only time will tell.
