Mercedes have protested the results of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, only for the FIA/Stewards to dismiss their protests, to which the World Champions responded by announcing their intention to appeal.
However, The Times has reported that Mercedes are considering not going through with their appeal, with their reasoning being “putting the reputation of the sport before their desire to see their driver crowned world champion for the eighth time”, always according to the times.
What happened after the race in brief
Hamilton has lost out on a record breaking eighth Formula 1 World Title in Abu Dhabi on Sunday after losing out to title rival and eventual Champion Max Verstappen on the last lap of what must have been one of the most controversial races in recent history.
His team, evidently not happy with the outcome, lodged two protests, 30 minutes after the race ended accusing Verstappen of overtaking the Briton under the Safety Car, and objecting to the racing director Michael Masi’s administration of the Safety Car period.
Both protests where dismissed with Mercedes announcing their intent to appeal.
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 12, 2021
Red Bull getting ready despite the withdrawal rumours
Reports have emerged from Sky Sports F1, the Red Bull will not take anything for granted, and that team boss Christian Horner has flown out of the United Arab Emirates immediately to work on the team’s defense against the expected Mercedes appeal.
Sky Sports’ Craig Slater said that he was informed of Horner’s departure as he was looking to interview him on Monday morning, also reporting the Red Bull top man Dietrich Mateschitz is also involved in the process.
This information was shared in a video on Twitter, by Sky Sports news.
▪️ What is the current situation?
▪️ What will Mercedes do next?
▪️ Could the result be overturned?Craig Slater gives an update after last night’s controversial #F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi that saw Max Verstappen clinching the win and Mercedes protesting the outcome 🔊 pic.twitter.com/e1KU2ev9Jv
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 13, 2021
Mercedes have till Thursday
Also according to Slater, Mercedes will have to act fast should they decide to see the appeal through, as Thursday in the day of the FIA Gala where Max Verstappen will be receiving his F1 Drivers’ Championship trophy.
Mercedes have been silent from Sunday evening, and have not issued any press releases post-race, as a video emerged on Twitter showing team boss Toto Wolff and soon to be Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas partying in Abu Dhabi.
*o Toto Wolff deve estar chorando para os comissários até agora*
A realidade do Lobão neste momento: pic.twitter.com/xXdb04k34h
— ceci ➳ (@pill0wtsk) December 13, 2021