Toto Wolff dismisses Abu Dhabi 2021 impact on Lewis Hamilton
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Toto Wolff dismisses claims that Lewis Hamilton's performance declined due to the controversial Abu Dhabi 2021 F1 finale, stating there is 'no correlation'.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has refuted claims that Lewis Hamilton's performance has suffered due to the controversial events of Abu Dhabi 2021, calling the theory "flawed."
Hamilton and the controversial 2021 F1 finale
The 2021 Formula 1 season was one of the most intense in history, culminating in a dramatic final race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Hamilton and Max Verstappen entered the season finale tied on points, with Verstappen securing his first F1 title in highly controversial circumstances.
The actions of then-FIA race director Michael Masi played a pivotal role in the outcome, with his late-race restart decision favoring Verstappen, denying Hamilton what would have been a record-breaking eighth World Championship.
Wolff rejects claims of Hamilton slowing down post-2021
Despite the heartbreak of Abu Dhabi 2021, Wolff is adamant that Hamilton’s pace and motivation have not been impacted in the years since.
Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Wolff dismissed suggestions that Hamilton's performance has waned due to that controversial loss.
“The ending of 2021 is something that’s going to be with us forever when it comes to our professional lives," Wolff said.
“But, I don’t think that the ending of ’21 had any whatsoever correlation to not driving as fast anymore, or any of that.”
Wolff believes Hamilton has only improved
Contrary to the theory that Abu Dhabi 2021 negatively impacted Hamilton, Wolff believes the seven-time World Champion has continued to evolve as a driver and individual.
“Overall, as a human being, professional and outside of the car, he’s getting more complete every time,” Wolff added.
Brazil 2021: A defining moment in Hamilton’s career
Wolff also reflected on Hamilton’s stunning performance at the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix, where the Briton overcame multiple setbacks to claim a crucial victory.
After being disqualified from sprint qualifying due to a minor DRS infringement and serving a further five-place grid penalty for an engine change, Hamilton charged through the field to secure an unforgettable win.
Wolff described the emotions of the Mercedes team at the time, believing they had been unfairly penalized.
“Brazil ’21 was great, yeah,” Wolff said. “Because we got disqualified for the sprint race, and it was really nothing, and that was just not right.
“And I think what it triggered is such a momentum in the team of ‘now we show them,’ and that’s what happened.
“We knew we needed to win every single race to win the championship. And he climbed back in the sprint in a great way, and then in the race itself, albeit all the defense, clean and less clean, he won the race. That was the best.”
Mercedes’ last championship season
The 2021 season also marked the final Constructors’ Championship won by Mercedes, ending their record-breaking streak of eight consecutive titles.
Since then, Red Bull and Verstappen have dominated the sport, while Mercedes and Hamilton have struggled to recapture their former dominance.
Hamilton’s future with Ferrari in F1 2025
With Hamilton set to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025, speculation continues over whether he can once again challenge for the Formula 1 title.
While 2024 saw Hamilton return to winning ways at Silverstone and Spa, it also brought challenges such as his disappointing outing in Qatar.
However, with a fresh start at Ferrari on the horizon, Hamilton remains determined to chase his elusive eighth World Championship.
As the Formula 1 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari and whether he can add another chapter to his legendary career.
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