Max Verstappen-Lewis Hamilton Infamous Abu Dhabi Debacle Blamed for Taking the Shine off Mercedes’ “Fantastic Achievement”

A totally exhilarating season that had two top drivers battling ended up with scars of unnecessary controversy in 2021. It made the taste of the victory sour for one while inflicting additional pain on the runners-up. Amid the glory of Max Verstappen winning his maiden crown, everyone was focusing on the controversial last lap finish in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Mercedes who has notched up an unprecedented 8th consecutive constructor’s title just got buried under the whole saga.

Former Mercedes executive Paddy Lowe blamed the infamous Abu Dhabi debacle for taking the shine off this amazing achievement. According to Nextgen Auto, he said, “One of the things that annoyed me in Abu Dhabi in 2021 was that it was all about the drivers’ championship controversy. Mercedes had just won an eighth consecutive constructors’ title, which was a fantastic achievement.” [translated via Google]

Lowe who had been involved with the Silver Arrows from 2013 to 2017, sympathized with his former colleagues who had worked hard for making the car as quick as possible. Yet, the drivers’ championship controversy of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton diverted a lot of the attention from this 8th constructors’ title.

He added, “It eclipses the Drivers’ Championship by far, regardless of whether it was Max or Lewis who won it. An eighth title in a row was great news but that was buried with the last lap controversy, which I thought was terrible for all the employees.”

Read More: Mercedes Makes “Dangerous” Admission About Lewis Hamilton’s Miserable Campaign

Regardless, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has given his final verdict on the Abu Dhabi saga to close the infamous chapter. As the Brackley team has got bigger fish to fry in terms of recovering performance after a mediocre 2022 season. Yet, it is fascinating how the Silver Arrows have managed to win the constructors year in, year out.

How does Mercedes manage to win the Constructors Every Year?

The 2022 season was perhaps an aberration to what Mercedes has been capable of doing. The W13 did not enable the team to fight for the championship. But, they still managed to overturn their fortunes and performance till the year end.

It is this grit and never-ending persistence that makes the Brackley-based outfit a winning machine. Since 2013, the way they have consistently been at the front with a race-winning car is commendable. From the technical development to race strategies, Mercedes never seems to put a foot wrong.

And even they falter at a particular race, they ensure the mistakes get rectified and improved upon. Their consistent drive to win and stay at the top is probably unparalleled on the grid. Even a horrific season like last year has not diminished their determination to win.

Besides this efficient and well-oiled team operation, even the aggression and consistency of their drivers has helped this consistent success. There has always been a solid driver to back the class of Lewis Hamilton in Nico Rosberg and Valtteri Bottas. Going into 2023, Toto Wolff will hope George Russell keeps this trend going and continues matching Hamilton if they challenge for the title.

WATCH THIS STORY: F1 Clarifies Safety Car Rules That Cost Lewis Hamilton The 2021 Championship

Their 8th constructors may not have got as much attention owing to the trauma of Hamilton’s loss. Yet, Mercedes will look to get redemption and resume their success streak this year. If they can, it would be the best comeback stories in sport for sure!