Abu Dhabi GP Part-Designer Karun Chandhok Takes Aim at Hamilton-Verstappen Conspiracy Theorists

Formula One heads into the Abu Dhabi GP for the last race of the 2021 season, with both titles up for grabs. The organizers have changed the track to improve the racing. Interestingly, the changes made were previously suggested by former F1 driver and pundit Karun Chandhok.

Now people have taken to social media to accuse Chandhok of influencing the track’s changes in Mercedes‘s favor. It all began when Red Bull team principal Christian Horner cheekily mentioned that the new changes took out all of Mercedes’ weaknesses.

WATCH STORY: Shortest F1 Drivers Ever Featuring Yuki Tsunoda & Lando Norris

Former F1 driver Chandhok gives his clarification on Abu Dhabi GP changes

As reported by Express. co. uk, Horner had cheekily blamed Karun Chandhok for the new track layout. But he mentioned the track has characteristics that might favor both teams.

“Apparently, you’ve taken out every corner Mercedes didn’t like! Sector two might be a Mercedes sector, sector three a Red Bull, and Sector one maybe neutral,” said Horner to Karun jokingly.

Taking a cue from Christian, some conspiracy theorists suggested that Chandhok had previously driven cars for Mercedes and had influenced the changes to suit the German team.

Chandhok fittingly shut down the conspiracy theorist by aptly mentioning, “Of all the conspiracy theories, this is my favorite. I was also a Red Bull junior and test driver.

And once had lunch at Mclaren. Plus driven lots of Williams cars. Oh, and I had an Alfa rental car once too. And drove an Aston yesterday around the track,” said the pundit.

It is highly unlikely that Chandhok would have influenced the Yas Marina Circuit organizers to make the changes. The changes have been long overdue as the circuit produces less than entertaining races year after year.

It is also coincidental that the changes made favor Mercedes. The organizers would have no idea about the strengths of the Mercedes in the 2021 season. So let us wait and see if the changes really do favor the German team or not. Who are you backing in the Verstappen-Hamilton showdown?

READ MORE: Is the Yas Marina F1 track a Street Circuit?