Ultimately yr’s F1 season finale, Lewis Hamilton had appeared set to seize his eighth world championship title after dominating many of the Yas Marina race.
Nonetheless, issues have been turned on their head when a late security automobile was triggered after Nicholas Latifi crashed his Williams.
In the course of the restart, then F1 race director Michael Masi didn’t comply with the proper procedures, selectively permitting just a few backmarkers to unlap themselves after which restarting the race a lap sooner than it ought to have in line with the rules.
That allowed Max Verstappen, who had pitted for recent tyres, one ultimate lap to overhaul Hamilton and safe the win that captured him his maiden world title.
Mercedes initially protested the end result and appeared set to take the matter to the court docket of attraction, earlier than finally backing down within the pursuits of the game.
The FIA launched a full investigation into what occurred, and Masi was moved apart as a part of an overhaul of the way in which F1’s race management was run.
Wolff has admitted that he finds it laborious to overlook what occurred.
Requested by Motorsport.com in an unique interview if he nonetheless mirrored on what occurred in Abu Dhabi, Wolff mentioned: “I give it some thought day-after-day. However I’ve my peace with Max profitable the championship, as a result of he is a deserving champion.
“The way it panned out, I believe I’ve values round equity, and particularly sporting equity. That is what supplies my basic love for the game. After which that was kicked with the ft on that individual day.”
Toto Wolff, Crew Principal and CEO, Mercedes AMG
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Photographs
Though many questions stay about what actually occurred in race management that day, particularly with it rising lately that Masi signed a Non-Disclosure Settlement (NDA) to by no means speak about it, the FIA has tried to attract a line underneath the occasions.
However there have been ongoing questions this yr concerning the consistency of the brand new race management construction, in addition to the method and angle of latest FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Reflecting on the job that Ben Sulayem has carried out up to now, Wolff mentioned that some difficulties have been inevitable contemplating the change of method that he was trying to convey.
“I believe Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the way in which he is hiring and recruiting, reveals for me path,” he mentioned.
“Each persona has his edges. And I believe the first goal of being clear, offering good governance and a very good framework is what I see taking place.
“Are there going to be bumps on the street as a result of Mohammed’s organisation must fall in place and all people wants to search out their roles? Yeah, for positive. However I am proud of how’s it going.
“They’re open minded. They don’t seem to be opinionated. For me, clear, sincere and have integrity.”