Hamilton Admits He Was Robbed as Wolff Blasts Masi in Explosive New Comments
More than three years after the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, emotions are still raw—and now, both Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff have reignited the fire. In a series of unfiltered new statements, Hamilton has openly declared he was “robbed,” while Wolff didn’t mince his words, calling then-race director Michael Masi a “pathological egomaniac.” The fallout from the most polarizing title decider in F1 history shows no signs of fading.
Hamilton Finally Speaks Without Restraint
While Lewis Hamilton has always spoken with grace and professionalism, he has, until now, remained relatively guarded when asked about the infamous 2021 season finale. That night in Abu Dhabi, the championship was snatched away on the final lap after Masi’s controversial call to restart the race under selective Safety Car procedures—leading to Max Verstappen passing Hamilton and claiming his first world title.
But now, in a moment of clarity and perhaps closure, Hamilton has chosen to speak his truth:
“Yeah, I was robbed. That’s not bitterness. That’s the reality,” Hamilton said in a candid interview. “I did everything right that day. The team did everything right. The rules weren’t followed, and it cost us a title.”
His admission echoes the long-held sentiments of fans and experts alike, many of whom still consider the ending of the 2021 season a permanent stain on the FIA’s credibility.
Toto Wolff’s Scathing Attack on Masi
If Hamilton’s words were powerful, Toto Wolff’s were incendiary.
“Michael Masi was a pathological egomaniac,” the Mercedes team principal declared during a panel discussion on F1 governance. “He believed the sport was about him. He played God with the rules—and he destroyed trust in the integrity of the championship.”
This is not the first time Wolff has criticized Masi, but his language has never been this direct. Wolff also revealed that Masi was warned multiple times internally about procedural consistency throughout the 2021 season, particularly concerning Safety Car rules.
“There were red flags all season long. And in Abu Dhabi, he overrode protocol because he wanted a show. What we got was not racing. It was a farce.”
A Legacy-Defining Moment
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains one of the most controversial endings to a championship in motorsport history. Verstappen’s win was historic, but it came under circumstances so chaotic that the FIA conducted a formal investigation—and eventually removed Masi from his position.
Yet, for Hamilton and Mercedes, the damage was already done.
“It took me a long time to get over that,” Hamilton admitted. “You go back to the garage knowing you were the best that day—and that someone else decided it didn’t matter. That’s not sport.”
The seven-time world champion, now set to join Ferrari in 2025, says he has channeled the pain into growth, but has never felt fully vindicated.
FIA Still Silent
In light of the latest wave of statements, the FIA has yet to issue a formal comment. The organization has long avoided revisiting the incident publicly, insisting that the matter was “addressed” through internal restructuring and a clarification of race protocols.
But Hamilton and Wolff’s remarks show that for many inside the sport, especially at Mercedes, the wounds remain open.
Verstappen’s Camp Unbothered
As expected, sources close to Max Verstappen have downplayed the renewed criticism. One Red Bull insider reportedly said:
“The result stands. Max did what any driver would do in that moment. He didn’t make the call—he simply executed it perfectly.”
Verstappen himself has avoided commenting directly on Masi’s role, often stating that he “deserved” the title based on his season-long performance.
What’s Next?
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari and Wolff’s desire to rebuild Mercedes for the 2026 regulations may have opened the door to this moment of public reckoning. Both men seem eager to set the record straight before turning the page.
Hamilton concluded the interview with a pointed message:
“We move forward. But I will never pretend that night didn’t happen. People can spin it how they like. But the truth is simple: the rules weren’t followed, and it changed the outcome of a world championship.”
— Scuderia Ferrari News (@FerrariNewsUK_) April 1, 2024
Conclusion: The Ghost of Abu Dhabi Still Haunts Formula 1
Three years later, the 2021 finale continues to define legacies, shape narratives, and fuel controversy. Hamilton’s confession and Wolff’s blunt assessment may not change the record books, but they reinforce a powerful truth: the fight for fairness in Formula 1 is far from over.
As the sport evolves and eyes the next generation, the lessons of Abu Dhabi 2021 remain painfully relevant—a reminder that at the heart of Formula 1 lies not just speed, but integrity.
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