© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
Formula 1 journalist Ben Hunt says “the outcome in Abu Dhabi left a sour taste, even for the most staunch Verstappen fan”.
In his column for The Sun, F1 journalist Ben Hunt gave his opinion on Lewis Hamilton’s silence following the controversial ending of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“SunSport understands that Mercedes are in contact with Hamilton, which would imply he is not yet ready to quit,” Hunt wrote.
“However, the fact he has not spoken publicly – about any matter, not just the race in Abu Dhabi, for he also failed to acknowledge his knighthood ceremony – should still be taken with significance.
“There is a distinct feeling that while he was gracious in defeat to Verstappen, there is the nagging feeling of injustice as Masi fudged the rules.
“To use Hamilton’s words, who radioed his team on that final lap, saying ‘this race has been manipulated’.
“He clearly feels that by saying nothing, he is shifting the focus on to the FIA and keeping the pressure firmly on their investigation.
“Let’s remember. Firstly, Mercedes believe that, should they have taken it to court, they’d have won and it was a joint decision between the team and Hamilton not to pursue it.
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“Secondly, in the past the FIA have had a history of hushing up their investigations. In 2019 a detailed look into Ferrari’s engine resulted in a controversial private settlement between the two parties with the FIA’s findings kept a secret.”
Hunt added that the silence is also a way to put pressure on the FIA to deal with the situation in a transparent manner.
“The outcome in Abu Dhabi left a sour taste, even for the most staunch Verstappen fan, who ultimately deserved his championship title.
“Mercedes – and Hamilton – want answers and not see the matter brushed under the carpet as in some of the previous years.
“Despite withdrawing their legal challenge, they don’t want this matter simply to go away unchallenged.
“So, for the meantime, Hamilton will remain quiet on the subject of the FIA and their subsequent findings.
“After all, his silence is already speaking volumes on how he feels about it,” Hunt concluded.
