The FIA ​​will conduct “a detailed analysis and clarification exercise for the future” in response to the backlash from the final laps of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen became world champion after passing Lewis Hamilton on the last lap of the race, but Mercedes was angered by the decision of FIA race director Michael Masi to quash an appeal that no overtook cars would be allowed to overtake the safety car. Masi subsequently told the only cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to pass the safety car, then immediately pulled it back to allow the green flag to arrive, prompting much criticism of how the situation was handled.

At a meeting of the World Motorsport Council in Paris ahead of the end-of-season awards gala and presidential election, a report has been delivered to the WMSC and will now lead to a more detailed review of what’s happening. happened.

“The main responsibility of the FIA ​​at any event is to ensure the safety of all involved and the integrity of the sport,” said an FIA statement.

“The circumstances surrounding the use of the safety car following the incident with driver Nicholas Latifi, and the related communications between the FIA ​​Race Direction team and the Formula 1 teams, in particular generated significant misunderstandings and reactions from Formula 1 teams, drivers and fans, an argument that currently tarnishes the image of the Championship and the celebration of the first Drivers’ World Championship title won by Max Verstappen and the eighth consecutive World Championship title Manufacturers won by Mercedes.

“Following the presentation of a report on the progress of the events which took place following the incident on lap 53 of the Grand Prix and in a constant concern for improvement, the President of the FIA ​​proposed to the World Sport Council Automobile that a detailed analysis and clarification exercise for the future with all parties concerned will now take place.

“This issue will be discussed and addressed with all teams and drivers to learn from this situation and clarify to participants, media and fans the regulations in force in order to preserve the competitive nature of our sport while ensuring safety. drivers and officials It is not only Formula 1 that can benefit from this analysis, but also more generally all the other championships on the FIA ​​circuit.

Once the proposal was approved, the FIA ​​also said it wanted to ensure any significant changes are made in time for the new season next year.

“The FIA ​​will therefore do everything possible to get this started within the governance of Formula 1 and will propose to the Formula 1 Commission to give a clear mandate for study and proposal to the Sporting Advisory Committee, with the support Formula 1 drivers, therefore that all significant comments and conclusions identified be made before the start of the 2022 season. “