Martin Brundle Explains What Michael Masi & F1 Could’ve Done Differently in Abu Dhabi Amidst Verstappen-Hamilton Controversy

The last lap incident in Abu Dhabi will forever be remembered as one of the most divisive moments in Formula 1 history. Ever since Max Verstappen passed Lewis Hamilton in the last lap and won the championship, thousands of people have shared their opinions on what was right and what was wrong. But now, former F1 driver and commentator, Martin Brundle has had his say on the events.

Nobody understands the rights and wrongs of F1 better than the people who work within the sport. Even amongst those people, there are those who have a better understanding of on-track action and those who know what goes off track better.

Martin Brundle is one of the few who knows just as much about racing an F1 car and critiquing an F1 race. Brundle wrote a column on Sky Sports in which he touched on what the alternate decision could’ve been after the safety car was deployed.

“In hindsight, this should have been a red flag so that everyone could reset, the track could be cleared, and we’d have a straight final championship duel on matching tyres from a standing start,” Brundle wrote.

“However, that would set a precedent for more red flags in the future. As potentially could have happened back in Azerbaijan, we don’t want a race, and so championship, finishing with the cars lined up stationary in the pit lane.”

Martin Brundle isn’t taking sides in Formula 1

Brundle described how he is neither making any accusations nor is he sympathising with anyone.

He wrote, “I’m not going to make any accusations here whatsoever that there was any malice or intent in those decisions and actions because I have zero evidence or expectations in that respect.”

“I can understand why Mercedes and team Hamilton feel aggrieved, just as Red Bull would have done if the race finished behind the safety car.”

Currently, F1 is under immense criticism for what happened in Abu Dhabi. Almost everyone agrees that the situation could’ve been handled better by the organizers. While the decision is unlikely to be changed, it should serve as a guide for similar situations in the future to ensure the fairest outcome.

How would you have liked the race to conclude?

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