Racing’s governing body the FIA has said “human error” contributed to the controversial finish at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but insisted former race director Michael Masi acted in good faith throughout.
Masi incorrectly applied the Safety Car procedure at the end of the title decider between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
He set up a one lap sprint which helped Verstappen catch and pass Hamilton on the final lap, winning the title in the process.
However, Masi had not followed the FIA rulebook and had only allowed the unlapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to overtake the Safety Car and rejoin the lead lap.
Max Verstappen started the final lap of the race right behind Lewis Hamilton. GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images
He also restarted the race a lap earlier than the rules dictate, although the FIA’s report — released ahead of qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday — said that rule was open to interpretation.
The report also said the result is “valid,…
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