Toto Wolff said that FIA’s call against ‘unsportsmanlike’ driving or behaviour ‘contrary to sporting ethics’ as a good deterrent for everyone. The statement from the Mercedes team principal comes as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen clash in the final F1 showdown at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

Drivers could face suspension or lose all their points for driving in an unsportsmanlike manner, race director Michael Masi warned on Thursday. 

The Australian called out Article 12.2.1l which deals with “any infringement of the principles of fairness in competition, behaviour in an unsportsmanlike manner or attempt to influence the result of a competition in a way that is contrary to sporting ethics.”

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Masi also mentioned Article 12.4.5 which covers penalties stewards could impose including “suspension for one or more competitions, withdrawal of points for the championship, cup, challenge, trophy, series.”

The announcement from the official came as Hamilton and Verstappen have already collided thrice in the season. However, any incident that takes both of them out at the Yas Marina circuit would hand the Dutch his first championship. 

In simple terms – if Max Verstappen takes out Lewis Hamilton via collision, he wins the title. 

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Welcoming the call, Wolff said, “I think with all the controversies we had in the last few races, it is very good that Michael and the FIA have come out with a reminder of what the ISC [international sporting code] stands for.”

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Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said, “I can see why Toto and Lewis with the disadvantages of race wins would be pushing for that, but nobody’s going into the race saying it’s going to end in a crash. There has been great speculation about it but our focus is on trying to win this on track and do it at the chequered flag.”

The Mercedes driver dominated the Friday practice. Verstappen coming fourth. Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and the Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas split the two.