[ad_1]
A recent documentary plus canal It has been revealed that Toto Wolff and Christian Horner called FIA president Jean Todt minutes after the controversial 2021 F1 finale in Abu Dhabi to try to win over the Frenchman’s opposition to them. career support.
The dramatic final round of the 2021 F1 World Championship was overturned in the closing stages of the race by FIA race director Michael Massey, who opted to overrule normal safety car procedures for the final lap.
The race was dominated by Lewis Hamilton, who was on track for a record eighth world title, but Massey’s management of the safety car period allowed Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to succeed – opting to run on a single lap. A new set of tires in the race for a shootout – snatching the lead from his Mercedes rival midway through the final lap and pushing for his first world title.
In a recent documentary ‘method’ Telling the story of Toth’s life and times in motorsport, the man who was still FIA president at the time can be seen watching the drama from his home in Paris.
A few minutes after the checkered flag, Todd received a call from an irate Wolfe asking Todd to intervene.
“Toto, you have to watch it with the steward…” Toto said. “I followed up everything, but I don’t have enough qualifications to answer you. You have to listen to the administrators and understand what happened,” he added.
Wolff’s call was followed by that of Horner, who may have wanted to pre-emptively ensure that the FIA ​​president would side with Red Bull should Mercedes protest.
“Hi Christian, congratulations so far,” Todd said. “I know there’s been some protests around. Anyway, what a game, congratulations on your strategy, it’s great!”
speeches of the week to italy evening expressAfterwards, Todt relived the fascinating moment and explained his exchanges with the Mercedes and Red Bull team principals.
“I didn’t do anything, it’s not the job of the FIA ​​president,” Todt said.
“Refereeing must be autonomous. Have you ever heard [FIFA president Gianni] Infantino said ‘here’s a penalty and here’s not’.
“In the documentary you can see me watching that game at my country house.
“Horner and Wolff called me and I replied: ‘I can’t interfere, that’s the responsibility of the stewards and race director.'”
The infamous race was Todt’s last to witness as FIA president, days before the Frenchman passed the baton to his successor, Mohammad bin Sulayem, head of the governing body.
Stay up-to-date on all F1 news with Facebook and Twitter
[ad_2]
Source link