How often does one get to see two world championship rivals going into a Formula One season finale, level on points? Well, 2021 was one of those years where Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton pulled off what is arguably the most intense title rivalry of all time. However, quite unfortunately, the season-ender in Abu Dhabi stirred up a massive debate over the ultimate winner.

Verstappen won the championship, but, of course, Michael Masi played a significant role in guiding the Dutchman to his first F1 title. Hence, this led to many reckoning Hamilton deserved the title more than Verstappen. Well, now, just when we began to feel that the voices will faint, they have only grown louder amidst Masi’s sacking.

Does Lewis Hamilton deserve the title more?

F1 journalist, Nate Saunders, opened up that the FIA’s decision to sack Masi is basically an admission that what happened in Abu Dhabi was not fair and so was not the end result.

“This is a massive admission that what happened in Abu Dhabi was not correct, that the race should not have restarted in that way. Sadly, that in the eyes of a lot of people is going to taint and tarnish Max Verstappen’s championship,” he told ESPN.

“Now, I’m absolutely convinced Max Verstappen is never going to feel bad about it. He’s got the world championship trophy. The history books will always say he’s the champion.”

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Saunders admits Verstappen’s title win will have a black mark

Saunders opined that, much like asterisks in baseball records, Verstappen’s 2021 title win, too, will hold a black mark forever.

“But, it’s such a shame that such a fantastic and historic rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen, one of the best championships we’ve ever seen ended in that fashion. Even if Red Bull want to deny it, this is the FIA saying this guy made a huge mistake in a huge moment in the championship. Whether you’re a Verstappen fan or a Hamilton fan, doesn’t matter. It was such a shame that it ended that way,” he said.

“Masi unfortunately, his name is going to be a bi word for that mistake and for that botch job from the FIA’s perspective. Sadly, people talk about baseball, there are a lot of records with asterisks next to them.”

Overall, let’s hear it from you – Do you think Masi’s sacking is a clear acknowledgment from the FIA that Verstappen did not deserve the championship title? Or, did the Dutchman prove enough over the season to hail himself as the most deserving candidate for the title?

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