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Red Bull Supremo Reveals How They were Counting on F1 Fans to Provide Evidence Against Hamilton
It has been three weeks since the Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen infamous crash took place at the British Grand Prix. And still, this is a hot topic between the F1 fraternity.
The two title contenders collided on the opening lap at Copse, which sent the Max Verstappen flying into the tire barriers and out of the race, in an impact that measured 51G.
The reigning champion, Hamilton was awarded a 10-second penalty and two penalty points on his license for causing the accident. Despite suffering the penalty, the Briton made a huge comeback to overtake Charles Leclerc on the penultimate lap to secure his eighth British GP title.
Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 16, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates after finishing first in the sprint race qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Lars Baron
The penalty didn’t help the Milton Keynes-based team as the Knight took the lead in the driver’s championship after the race, dethroning Verstappen. Afterward, Red Bull appealed for further punishment to Hamilton, but the stewards rejected their appeal.
Watch Story: From Shocking Lewis Hamilton Crash to Ferrari Pit Stop Blunder: Most Sensational Moments in Bahrain GP History
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey, reveals the crucial role played by the fans to review Hamilton’s penalty at Silverstone. In addition, he also defended the Austrian team’s decision to appeal.
What did Adrian Newey say?
Soon after the race, Red Bull appealed for a review regarding the first lap incident at Copse for Hamilton to serve a further sanction. The Milton-Keynes-based team provided the FIA with four slides created by the team, which included GPS data of the first lap incident and Hamilton’s late battle with Charles Leclerc on the same corner.
Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 18, 2021 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc celebrates on the podium after finishing second Pool via REUTERS/Lars Baron
However, the Austrian team data does not convince the stewards, and they subsequently dismissed Red Bull’s appeal. Meanwhile, Adrian Newey reveals he was disappointed by the steward’s decision.
“In our case, we had analysis of GPS data, which I think is analogous to a video recorded in the grandstands. Both are technically available during the event but neither will be available to the stewards – in the case of GPS, it needs specialist analysis to make it viewable,” said Red Bull’s Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey.
Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 17, 2021. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen fist bumps Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton after sprint qualifying REUTERS/Peter Cziborra.
“In that sense, I was very disappointed that the stewards decided that wasn’t new evidence. It’s unfortunate, but that’s their decision and we respect that.”
Newey defends the appeal made by Red Bull against Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone
As quoted by the official Red Bull website, when asked if it was correct to ask the stewards to review the penalty handed down to Lewis for the Silverstone crash, Adrian Newey replied: “I absolutely do believe it was correct.”
Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 18, 2021. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen during the race REUTERS/Peter Cziborra.
“Basically, the right to appeal is based on fresh evidence coming to light. It’s quite an old rule and the thought when it was drafted was that perhaps there might be somebody taking video in the grandstands that could provide a different angle, and that would be admissible as new evidence.”
Did the stewards make the right call by not further penalizing Lewis Hamilton? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.
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