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Wolff: Rather a public discussion than a hearing in court'.

20 November 2021 at 13:26
Last update 20 November 2021 at 13:31
  • GPblog.com

It was announced earlier that Mercedes' request to re-examine the FIA 's decision has been definitively dropped. Toto Wolff is not surprised, as he expected the result to remain the same, but he is glad they have started a discussion.

The FIA had to look again at Mercedes' decision on the defensive action of Max Verstappen. Eventually, the race committee decided that the new evidence was not enough to reopen the case and so the Dutchman will not receive a penalty for his duel with Lewis Hamilton during the Brazilian Grand Prix. Verstappen therefore retains his fourteen point lead with three rounds to go.

Wolff admits that he also knew it would go nowhere, but with this they have started a public discussion about these kinds of incidents. "It's more about the principle.I think we have achieved a public discussion around it because I see a risk that we will see it happening in the next races, it could well end up in the stewards' room or the court room if people aren't happy with how it is being raced out there," the Austrian told Sky Sports.

Horner didn't get it

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner was particularly surprised by Mercedes' request. According to him, there were a lot of incidents in turn four and so he finds it strange that exactly this incident has to be looked at again. "It was just two drivers obviously just outbraking themselves. The good thing is the book's closed on it and it's full focus on this weekend."