Watch Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen battle for Abu Dhabi GP lead in first lap controversy

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
REUTERS
Marc Mayo12 December 2021

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen nearly collided on the first lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - after the Mercedes snatched first place in the 2021 title decider.

The Brit, starting second on the grid, got the jump off the line to comfortably lead through the first turn.

However, Verstappen came back down the long straight later in the lap and attempted an overtake down the inside, taking the lead momentarily as the pair nearly touched.

Verstappen remained on the track after Hamilton bailed and cut the chicane, keeping first place.

The stewards were content that Hamilton did not gain an advantage and had dropped back a touch, to reduce the gap he had earned by missing the chicane while not giving back the place.

Red Bull immediately made their anger clear in a radio call to race director Michael Masi, who stated that the Dutchman had forced his rival off the track.

Team boss Christian Horner said on Sky F1: “We’re a little bit shocked at that.

“As you can imagine we’re not best pleased. It’s a total lack of consistency [from the stewards]. We’re focused on the race and doing it the hard way.”

It was suggested that the stewards’ decision not to investigate was in line with their similar call at the Brazilian Grand Prix, when Verstappen kept the place having run wide, taking Hamilton with him.

Former world champion Jenson Button insisted this move was different as the Red Bull remained on track this time, whereas Damon Hill and Nico Rosberg agreed with the stewards’ verdict.

Rosberg noted: “Max was a little too aggressive but Lewis didn’t give back everything he gained.”

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