Lewis Hamilton could have had eight Formula 1 titles under his belt if Charlie Whiting had been overseeing the championship in 2021, according to former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner. Whiting, who served as the F1 race director for 22 years until his sudden passing in 2019, was renowned for his meticulous approach to race management.
The 2021 season culminated in a controversial finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where a contentious decision by then-race director Michael Masi led to Max Verstappen clinching the title from Hamilton in the closing moments of the race. The botched safety car and lapped cars procedure created a scenario that favoured Verstappen, prompting widespread debate and criticism of Masi’s handling of the situation.
In his new book “Unfiltered,” Steiner expressed his belief that Hamilton would have emerged victorious in 2021 had Whiting been in charge. He stated, “We all know what Charlie would have done – had he been at the helm, Lewis would now be an eight-time world champion.”
Reflecting on Masi’s error in Abu Dhabi, Steiner described it as being of “biblical proportions,” emphasising the magnitude of its impact on the championship outcome. He lamented the lack of accountability from the FIA in addressing the controversy surrounding the race, highlighting the importance of acknowledging mistakes and learning from them.
While acknowledging the complexity of the situation and the impossibility of altering the championship result retroactively, Steiner underscored the significance of transparency and accountability in such instances. He stressed the need for officials to admit when errors have been made and strive to improve decision-making processes for future races.
Since the controversial conclusion to the 2021 season, Verstappen has continued his success in the sport, securing additional world titles and establishing himself as a dominant force in Formula 1. Meanwhile, Hamilton, who faced challenges in the subsequent seasons, is set to depart Mercedes for Ferrari in the upcoming year, signalling a new chapter in his illustrious career.