19 April 2023 , 11:25
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The petition to overturn the result of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and give victory to Lewis Hamilton has reached 100,000 signatures.
A Change.org petition created by Hamilton fan Patel Gordon-Bennett has gained huge media attention for attempting to overturn Max Verstappen's controversial victory at the Yas Marina circuit in December that year. What was a straight shootout between the two title-chasers turned into a farce during a late safety car period.
The pair started the race on equal points meaning whoever finished higher would ultimately win the championship. Hamilton was just five laps away from winning a record eighth world title when a Nicholas Latifi crash caused a safety car, creating last minute drama.
Race director Michael Masi controversially allowed lapped cars to overtake the safety car to allow one final lap of racing. With Verstappen on the fresher soft compound tyres, it was inevitable that he would speed past the Mercedes of Hamilton taking the win and the championship.
Verstappen did nothing wrong but still it remains a sore spot for Hamilton fans, and a huge talking point. Despite the result of the 2021 championship having been set in stone for almost 16 months, this has not stopped fans continuing to show their dissatisfaction to the result.
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The petition started to overturn the result passed the 100,000 signature milestone on Wednesday. Its creator Gordon-Bennett wrote: "I believe that justice was not served on Sunday December 12, 2021, when the FIA stewards denied Lewis Hamilton of his win of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The petition now has more than 100,000 signatures (Change.org)"With less than one lap remaining, some lapped cars were allowed to pass the safety car, which does not comply with the rules of the F1 sport. This gave rival opponent Max Verstappen the opportunity to overtake Lewis Hamilton and win the Grand Prix.
"If you are an advocate of justice, honesty and fairness, please sign this petition. Leaving this decision as it stands will send a very wrong message to youngsters and future racers."
While the petition has clearly captured the attention of fans online, it is highly unlikely to make any difference. The FIA will almost certainly not respond to such a fan-led movement and, although Mercedes protested the result at the time, the team is not dwelling on the past and is focussed on returning to winning ways.