ABU DHABI (REUTERS) – Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton mentioned on his staff radio, “This has been manipulated,” after the Briton was handed by Max Verstappen on the ultimate lap of Sunday’s (Dec 12) controversial season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The message was not broadcast on the world TV feed however was audible on seven-time champion Hamilton’s onboard channel on F1TV, a number of media shops reported.
Reuters has requested remark from Mercedes and the governing FIA.
Pink Bull’s Verstappen overtook Hamilton on the final lap to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and declare his first championship after race director Michael Masi altered the security automobile process to permit 5 automobiles between the title rivals to get out of the way in which.
The choice gave Verstappen a transparent run on Hamilton in what amounted to a last-lap dash end, with the Dutch driver on brisker tyres.
Hamilton was gracious in defeat, congratulating Verstappen and Pink Bull for his or her victory.
