Mercedes drops appeal against F1 Abu Dhabi final result

Mercedes
has decided to drop the appeal against the results of the Grand Prix final, at
Abu Dhabi. The move comes after the FIA, the governing body, proposed to
conduct a detailed analysis of the entire race and make an admission that it
was tarnishing the good image of Formula 1.

Lewis
Hamilton’s team has welcomed the decision and stated that they would hold the
FIA accountable. Notably, Hamilton was well on his way to winning the record eighth
title, after having maintained a lead for most of the race. However, there was
a crash, and the safety car was sent out. During the situation unfurling in the
final lap, some controversial decisions were taken, and Max Verstappen managed
to breeze past Hamilton, bagging his first Formula 1 win.

Mercedes
protested immediately, but the stewards dismissed it, then prompting the
automobile giants to appeal. They had until Thursday, December 16, to file the
paperwork.

However, opinions
floated beforehand that Mercedes would not go down this path. Though they felt
robbed by what happened, keeping at this would make them look like poor losers.
Besides, Mercedes had the Constructors’ Champion win to celebrate, which they
bagged for a record-breaking eighth time.

Also Read | Sir Lewis Hamilton and the knights of Formula 1

Ultimately,
if the case went to the FIA, Mercedes would have to see it through and overturn
the decision of the stewards, and by extension the race, and the entire
championship. Dragging it on would only end up damaging the reputation of this
sport. In hindsight, accepting the defeat seems to be the more gracious thing
to do.

Also Read | Formula One finale to be reviewed by FIA for future lessons

While Hamilton might not find the results sitting well with him, the
British F1 driver has much to celebrate. He recently got knighted for his
distinguishment and services to such sporting events, joining a very exclusive
club of Formula 1 drivers with knighthoods.