After the controversial conclusion to the Formula One season, Mercedes has decided not to take any action against Lewis Hamilton .
During the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton ignored team orders in an effort to seize the title from his teammate, Nico Rosberg.
Toto Wolff, the head of motorsport at Mercedes, has confirmed that Hamilton will not face any punishment as the team shifts its focus to replacing Nico Rosberg, who recently announced his retirement.
Wolff commented, “Sometimes decisions made in the heat of the moment can be the wrong ones.”
I find humor in Wolff’s statement above. Immediately following the race at the Yas Marina Circuit, he remarked, “Publicly undermining a structure indicates that you are prioritizing yourself over the team. It’s quite straightforward. Anarchy is ineffective in any team or organization.” – Here is a man who contradicts himself in a remarkably brief period.
It’s absurd – he pretends that Mercedes adheres to the rules…but that’s not the case.
Had Nico Rosberg, who is undeniably a noble athlete and a true gentleman, not disclosed his retirement, I’m quite certain Hamilton would have faced punishment – whether it would have been justified…that’s uncertain – but he would have been punished. I acknowledge that in Formula One, victory holds paramount importance…and perhaps we can comprehend why he attempted to assist other drivers to prevent Nico from winning. However, this constitutes poor sportsmanship – when you give your all and lose fairly, you should feel no remorse. Throughout a man’s life, especially in sports, significant decisions must be made – all I can say is that Lewis Hamilton’s reputation has been irreparably damaged.
I’m not sure why I’m complaining. Michael Schumacher faced no real consequences when he took Damon Hill out. Not to mention he did something similar the following season to Jacque Villeneuve. Fortunately for Schumacher, his attempt to eliminate Villeneuve from the race didn’t succeed. Ironically, Schumacher made a statement the subsequent season claiming that drivers should avoid aggressive driving…???
Nonetheless, it hardly seems to matter now. History is set in stone and cannot be altered, besides, the man is practically incapacitated. He’s just something to accompany your roast beef on a Sunday.
With Rosberg’s departure, there’s a chance that Jensen Button (who also retired at the end of this season) may return to team up with Lewis Hamilton.
I used to admire Lewis Hamilton, but he’s no better than the unsportsmanlike and deceitful Michael Schumacher.
by Terence Johns
