F1: Mercedes Withdraws Abu Dhabi GP Appeal After Announcement Of FIA Investigation

The Mercedes F1 Team has welcomed the announcement of an FIA investigation that will look into the stewards' decision and the role of the race director which resulted in the controversial end to the Abu Dhabi GP.  Mercedes has also revealed that it will be taking an active role in the formation of a commission by the FIA which will actively play a role in how the sport is governed and ensure the implementation of the rules is consistent. 

While all this happened, Hamilton became the first active driver to be knighted in the history of F1

"We appealed in the interest of sporting fairness, and we have since been in a constructive dialogue with the FIA and Formula 1 to create clarity for the future, so that all competitors know the rules under which they are racing, and how they will be enforced," said Mercedes, which confirmed reports that it had been deliberating carefully what to do along with Hamilton.

"Thus, we welcome the decision by the FIA to install a commission to thoroughly analyse what happened in Abu Dhabi and to improve the robustness of rules, governance, and decision making in Formula 1. We also welcome that they have invited the teams and drivers to take part," it said. 

"The Mercedes-AMG Petronas team will actively work with this commission to build a better Formula 1 - for every team and every fan who loves this sport as much as we do. We will hold the FIA accountable for this process and we hereby withdraw our appeal," the team revealed, just ahead of the ceremony to crown the new world champion, Max Verstappen in Paris. 

Outgoing FIA president Jean Todt has issued a commission for the analysis of the result 
Photo Credit: AFP

Earlier in the day, the FIA has revealed that it was investigating the issue and was going to install a commission that will make sure such an incident didn't happen in the future. 

The events "have notably generated significant misunderstanding and reactions from Formula 1 teams, drivers and fans, an argument that is currently tarnishing the image" it said in a statement. Outgoing FIA president Jean Todt has proposed "a detailed analysis and clarification exercise for the future with all relevant parties will now take place," to tackle the issue head on. The Mercedes team also congratulated Max Verstappen and the Red Bull team, while saying they indeed deserved the world title and hope to come back next year.