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EXCLUSIVE: ‘Abu Dhabi 2021 Was a Travesty of Justice’: Lewis Hamilton Was Robbed of 8th Title – Perry McCarthy

Published 01/16/2024, 6:15 AM EST

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Many have used various terms, adjectives, and phrases to summarize the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP. Many have argued over its validity and used harsh words to express their opinion on the matter. Despite who you ask, the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP always divides opinion. After all, it was one of the most enthralling and controversial ends to a championship season. This is exactly why, two years later, the 2021 controversy remains fresh in the minds of many, including ex-F1 racer Perry McCarthy, who called it a “travesty of justice” against Lewis Hamilton.

The Abu Dhabi GP was of high consequence for both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. The Dutchman was chasing his first silverware and Hamilton was chasing perhaps his last. However, Michael Masi changed the course of F1 history and made the race one of the biggest talking points in recent times. When EssentiallySports correspondent Anmol asked McCarthy to comment on the incident in an exclusive interview with ES, he had a certain opinion.  

via Reuters

“I am certainly not alone with my opinion on the outcome of the 2021 world championship. It was a travesty of justice. I’m sorry if there are Red Bull fans out there and Max Verstappen fans out there. This is nothing against Max, it’s nothing against Red Bull, a brilliant racing team and absolutely brilliant racing driver. But that race result was incorrect. There’d been a huge mess up by the race director Michael Masi, absolutely massive,” he said.

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And added, “But I do feel that because of the certain decisions that were made in the closing stages of that race by the race director, that was taken away from Lewis Hamilton and that would’ve been his 8th world championship.”

Lewis Hamilton Set to Avenge Abu Dhabi 2021 as Threat to Sergio Perez’s Dreams Becomes Real

Well, nothing can be done now about Hamilton’s missed opportunity of clinching the elusive 8th championship title. The bosses have promised this scenario wouldn’t repeat in the future, and even Hamilton has moved on.

Lewis Hamilton leaves the Abu Dhabi debacle in the past to look forward to a brighter future

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It was obviously unfathomable for Hamilton to lose out on his 8th championship in the manner he did. The Brit was in isolation for weeks after the conclusion of the 2021 season, with many reporting he’s considering retiring. However, the Mercedes man is not a quitter. In fact, he has already left his Abu Dhabi heartbreak in the past and his statement about Verstappen and Co. is proof of that.

via Getty

“Max and his team have done an incredible job and they deserve all the success. It’s about not repeating my period or Schumacher’s. We have to keep improving to have tighter fights for the World Cup. What a title It’s open and it’s decided in the last race, it’s the best thing that can happen to you, it’s incredible and the more teams there, the better,” Hamilton said.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton remains unwavering in his determination to halt Max Verstappen’s dominance, despite enduring significant neglect from the FIA

Call it a travesty of justice, cheating, or sheer luck. What’s done is done. Like Hamilton, let’s look forward and hope to see another season with such a high level of competition.

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Written by:

Mahim Suhalka

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"Chaos is Order yet Undeciphered." - said Noble prize winner José Saramago, essentially meaning the path to success is not always linear and something, I, Mahim Suhalka truly believe in. I have written over 1800 articles in my tenure at EssentiallySports so far making me one of the senior writers in the division.
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Edited by:

Akash Pandhare