Will Hamilton’s race in Abu Dhabi remain inconsequential?

Lewis Hamilton tried everything this Sunday to swing the world crown to his side. Even a tactic he had refused to use in the days leading up to the final race of the season. The Englishman gradually slowed his pace during the second half of the Grand Prix.

Obviously, this did not escape his team, who feared the worst. Alone in his machine, the three-time world champion rejected the pit-wall’s recommendations to speed up. These quickly turned into orders, voiced by Paddy Lowe. The finish was epic, with a quartet grouped within less than two seconds. Ultimately, Hamilton’s tactic did not succeed. He won the race but, more importantly, Rosberg managed to keep his second place, just ahead of Vettel and Verstappen.

Defense according to Hamilton: a legitimate situation due to the chaotic scenario of his year

Long after the podium ceremony, the former McLaren driver was still adamant: according to him, he had done nothing wrong.

« I had to try. It’s all the problems I’ve had this year that have left me in this position, » he said to Sky Sports F1 journalists.

Naturally, Hamilton mentioned his three engine issues encountered since the beginning of the season, while at the same time Rosberg’s car was absolutely reliable: « I hoped the team would provide me with the same reliability that was given to the other car. » These remarks are actually very interesting. They reveal the mindset in which Hamilton felt yesterday in Abu Dhabi. In a way, he sought to balance a match made mechanically unfair this year.

The reaction of the direct actors of the summit battle

Faced with this cunning attitude, the three other drivers fighting for victory were invited to respond.

Max Verstappen himself came to support Lewis Hamilton. The young Dutchman agreed with the Briton: « I would probably have done the same thing, you have to try to do those things to win a championship! »

Even his own teammate – though a direct participant in this title quest – seemed to absolve him. In fact, the problem is not between Hamilton and Rosberg this time. In no way did the triple world champion direct his criticisms at the new number 1:

Nico must make the most of it; it’s an incredible feeling to win the championship. He did what he had to do this season.

The problem is indeed between Hamilton and Mercedes

Let’s repeat it once more. No Mercedes leader has at this moment issued sharp criticism against their star driver. Yet, the question remains.

First, the facts clearly show that this personal strategy did not sit well with Mercedes at all. Hamilton blatantly snubbed his team on a global broadcast by responding to Paddy Lowe with the following phrase: « Guys, I suggest we just let us race »

Despite this apparent tension, the driver with the number 44 was ready to justify his tactics in front of his engineers. He was even looking forward to the debriefing.

The relationship between the team and its champion can therefore take a new turn. Toto Wolff himself reminded journalists of the values of Mercedes. Among them, dignity is of the highest importance: « Formula 1 is a motorsport. You must win and lose with dignity. I think it’s something we need to talk about. »

The main boss of the Star firm confirms it, even their stars must follow the rules: « Anarchy cannot exist within a Formula 1 team. »

In the same tone, Niki Lauda shared his perspective, reinforced by his experience behind the wheel of a racing car: « As a driver, we pull out every ace up our sleeve. But you also have to have respect for your teammate. »

And now? What are the options for Mercedes?

Bound by a massive contract until the end of 2018, both parties cannot reasonably question each other. Yet, the English press – often fond of big headlines – did not hesitate to suggest the possibility of a strong sanction in the short or medium term.

Lewis Hamilton is dominating the back pages this morning after defying team orders in Abu Dhabi https://t.co/ymYMiGZzEH #SkyF1 #F1 pic.twitter.com/VUTeFxNvcL

— Sky Sports F1 🏎 (@SkySportsF1) 28 novembre

Everything started with Toto Wolff’s lack of a precise response. Pressed by journalists to answer about the action contemplated against Hamilton, the Austrian leader admitted yesterday that anything was possible. In fact, he was still torn between his role as a racer and his responsibilities as the head of a company that employs around 3,500 people: I just need to form an opinion, which I haven’t done yet.

In this regard, we would lean more towards an internal disciplinary action, which would be more akin to a fine than a suspension or dismissal. However, some English newspapers like the *Daily Mirror* or *The Telegraph* have even admitted that Hamilton could be fired or face a temporary exclusion from several races.

Other avenues also suggested a profound questioning by Hamilton himself about his future with the team. Analogously, the famous consultant Martin Brundle directly asked the driver in question the following: « After the crash in Spain, there was a story that made you say ‘I’m going to stop, I’m going to retire.’ Is there any truth to that? » To which the Englishman laconically replied: « Those are private matters that belong to the past. »

Conclusion: a natural frustration for a great champion refusing defeat

Thus, this umpteenth affair reminds us of the full ambivalence of the project pursued by Mercedes since 2014. As the leader of the hybrid generation, the German team took the risk of providing relative equity between its two drivers. The almost total absence of team orders has left room for a struggle for power.

So, can we thank Mercedes for such a situation? Let’s remember Ferrari’s period of domination between 2000 and 2004. The Scuderia had eyes only for Michael Schumacher. A fine analyst, Rubens Barrichello was relegated to the role of luxury teammate. In comparison, we can only commend Rosberg’s performance, despite the terrible consequences of Hamilton’s problems.

But the wheel turns in Formula 1. In 2008, Hamilton had also been helped in his quest for the title. Felipe Massa suffered two engine problems in Australia and Hungary, while he was leading the race. Just like Lewis Hamilton in Malaysia this season…

Beyond the spectacle on the track, Formula 1 is full of uncertainties. In essence, the cruelty of the sport that Lewis Hamilton will have to digest over the winter.

But it’s a safe bet that tension will ease between Mercedes and the driver. The two parties have succeeded so well together that it would be detrimental to mess it all up. As the great champion he is, Lewis Hamilton will surely have a score to settle at the beginning of 2017.

My letter to my fans and team on my Facebook or Instagram. pic.twitter.com/TY9UAKTUaT

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) 27 novembre /f1/actualite/21603-nico-rosberg-credule-ne-sattendait-pas-a-la-tactique-finale-de-lewis-hamilton-.html