via Reuters
Motor racing – Formula One – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – September 24, 2021 Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll arrives at the circuit REUTERS/Anton Vaganov
via Reuters
Motor racing – Formula One – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – September 24, 2021 Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll arrives at the circuit REUTERS/Anton Vaganov
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a race to forget for many including Lewis Hamilton and Michael Masi. The latter made an unnecessary impact on the end result by meddling with the FIA rulebook, which eventually led the seven-time world champion to lose out on what could have been a record-breaking eighth world title.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t just Hamilton who ended up on the losing side but also other drivers including Lance Stroll. The Canadian, during the Aston Martin AMR22 launch event in Gaydon, showed an insane amount of annoyance toward the way the stewards worked at Yas Marina last season.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates winning the race and the world championship with the Netherlands flag on the podium as Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton looks on after finishing second REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Stroll admitted that the restart to the Abu Dhabi GP on the final lap was absolutely ridiculous. Why you might ask? Of course, he doesn’t seem bothered about the Hamilton-Verstappen battle. However, his frustration had everything to do with his own situation.
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Despite owning a fresh set of tires, Stroll found himself staring at an empty road ahead as Masi had allowed the five cars ahead of him to unlap themselves.
Watch Story: When F1 Drivers Had a Blast on Top Gear Featuring Hamilton, Vettel & Ricciardo
Stroll supports Lewis Hamilton in the Masi decision in Abu Dhabi
As reported by Motorsport, Stroll demanded that the rules stay consistent in 2022 after the stewards’ poor decisions cost him a decent finish in Abu Dhabi last year.
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“I think it’s ridiculous not to be able to start the race the way it should,” he said. “You can’t suddenly change the rules and tell half the cars that they can get their laps. Unfortunately, I was in the other half and could not overtake with the new tyres.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – French Grand Prix – FIA Press Conference – Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France – June 17, 2021 Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll during the press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
“This has never been done, and it’s important that the rules be consistent. I know it’s great to be back in the race, everybody wants to see a race on the last lap and they want to see two drivers go head-to-head with one lap to go, but the rules have to be fixed.”
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Overall, Stroll certainly didn’t hold anything back and let his frustrations out during the event. And with assurances arriving from the FIA that a repeat of the 2021 Abu Dhabi is improbable, will Masi get to continue as the race director? Or will the lack of action against the Australian lead to a huge uproar?
Read More: Why Do Mercedes Dominate F1?
