Ultimately yr’s F1 season finale, Lewis Hamilton had seemed set to seize his eighth world championship title after dominating many of the Yas Marina race.
Nevertheless, issues had been turned on their head when a late security automotive was triggered after Nicholas Latifi crashed his Williams.
Throughout the restart, then F1 race director Michael Masi didn’t observe the right procedures, selectively permitting only some backmarkers to unlap themselves after which restarting the race a lap sooner than it ought to have in accordance with the laws.
That allowed Max Verstappen, who had pitted for contemporary tyres, one remaining lap to overhaul Hamilton and safe the win that captured him his maiden world title.
Mercedes initially protested the outcome and seemed set to take the matter to the court docket of enchantment, earlier than ultimately 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 best way F1’s race management was run.
Wolff has admitted that he finds it exhausting 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 each day. However I’ve my peace with Max successful 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 offers my basic love for the game. After which that was kicked with the ft on that individual day.”
Toto Wolff, Workforce Principal and CEO, Mercedes AMG
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Photos
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 below 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 recent FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Reflecting on the job that Ben Sulayem has performed to date, Wolff mentioned that some difficulties had been inevitable contemplating the change of method that he was seeking to deliver.
“I believe Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the best way he is hiring and recruiting, reveals for me course,” he mentioned.
“Each character has his edges. And I believe the first goal of being clear, offering good governance and an excellent framework is what I see taking place.
“Are there going to be bumps on the highway as a result of Mohammed’s organisation must fall in place and everyone wants to seek out their roles? Yeah, for certain. However I am pleased with how’s it going.
“They’re open minded. They are not opinionated. For me, clear, trustworthy and have integrity.”