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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix gives the FIA ”confidence” to end 22 years of the Italian Grand Prix behind the Formula 1 safety car.
The race at Monza ended early as Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren team broke down on lap 48 of 53 – the team couldn’t clear it from the track without the help of a crane.
This required finishing the race behind the safety car – similar to what was expected to happen in the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi after Nicholas Latifi crashed with five laps left.
Some lap cars were allowed to overtake that day, and the safety car was introduced at the end of lap 57 instead of lap 58 as required by the rulebook.
Wolff’s Lewis Hamilton in the old hard car and Max Verstappen in the new soft car for the final lap of the title duel – the latter taking the win .
Speaking after Verstappen’s win at Monza, Wolff believed the events in Abu Dhabi helped the FIA decide.
Abu Dhabi gives FIA ‘confidence’
Wolff was unequivocal that the safety car rules were “strictly followed” at Monza, although some drivers thought the last lap was okay – like in Abu Dhabi.
However, the rulebook does not allow this – as Mercedes bosses have previously called for a rule change, if that is the team’s will.
He explained to the media: “I’m glad to see not a single race director and colleagues enforce the rules to break the rules under pressure from the media, e-fans and everyone.” RacingNews365.com.
“So, at least in this sense, Abu Dhabi gives the FIA more confidence to apply [Safety Car] Regulation. “
Wolff’s counterparts at Red Bull and Ferrari – Christian Horner and Mattia Binotto both believe the race could have restarted – which Horner believes denies the fans “stands” over.
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