Toto Wolff Criticizes 2021 Abu Dhabi GP with “Lunatic” Comment

Toto Wolff, the CEO and team principal of Mercedes Formula 1, has recently revisited the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This race was pivotal as Max Verstappen clinched his first championship, edging out Lewis Hamilton. Wolff’s comments were made at an event where he supported his wife, Susie Wolff, who is the managing director of F1 Academy.

Toto Wolff’s Critique of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP

Wolff expressed his frustration regarding the race’s outcome, which he attributed to the actions of then-race director Michael Masi. He described his experience during the race as one of “loss of control,” an occurrence he likened to childhood memories. Wolff remarked, “There is one lunatic who can basically destroy the record of the greatest champion of all time.”

Impact of the Decision-Making Process

Susie Wolff echoed her husband’s sentiments, stating, “It was disbelief.” She emphasized how a single decision to misinterpret the rules altered the championship landscape. Both Wolffs noted the heavy feelings they carried long after the event.

The controversy stemmed from the late-race safety car deployment after Nicholas Latifi’s crash. With Hamilton in the lead, the expectation was that the race would conclude under the safety car. However, Masi instructed only certain lapped cars to unlap themselves, deviating from standard procedures. This unexpected shift allowed Verstappen, equipped with fresher tires, to overtake Hamilton and secure victory in a dramatic final lap.

Aftermath and Reactions

• Race Winner: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
• Second Place: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
• Third Place: Carlos Sainz Jr., Ferrari

This event has emerged as one of the most contentious in recent Formula 1 history. In response to the backlash, the FIA later confirmed that Masi acted out of “good faith” while recognizing a “human error” in the decision-making process. They emphasized that the results from this Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are “valid, final and cannot now be changed.”

The FIA’s investigation clarified that the challenges faced by the race director were immense, noting the substantial pressures exerted by teams and the need for swift decision-making. The 2021 Abu Dhabi GP remains a critical reference point in discussions about race regulations and governance in Formula 1.