Jeremy Clarkson has added petrol to the fire raging around Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 win on Sunday, saying he is “delighted” with the result.
Verstappen secured the world title at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, denying Lewis Hamilton a record-breaking eighth win, in what was a highly controversial victory.
Hamilton had led for most of the race but the Mercedes driver was overtaken on the final lap by the Dutchman after a safety car had earlier come onto the track following a crash involving Nicholas Latifi.
Red Bull’s Verstappen was able to replace his tyres, while Hamilton, 36, was on the same tyres since lap 14, giving the 24-year-old a distinct advantage.
Mercedes launched appeals over two alleged breaches of the sporting regulations, but they were rejected by race stewards. The team now intends to go to the International Court of Appeal.
Tweeting after the race, Clarkson said he was “delighted” with how things played out.
Delighted with the result but the stewards need to be banned. We’ve had enough of them.
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) December 12, 2021
However, Clarkson did fire out a second tweet, saying Hamilton was “very, very dignified” in defeat.
Other celebrities were less enthusiastic about the Brit being potentially robbed of his crown.
Piers Morgan tweeted that Hamilton had been, “robbed by rule-bending officials who wanted to give us all a great dramatic TV moment. That’s not sport.”
Related links:
- Calls for F1 race director Michael Masi to be fired grow amid Verstappen Hamilton controversy
- Lewis Hamilton set to be knighted this Wednesday
- Mercedes lodge intention to appeal verdict of the second protest dismal
- Lewis Hamilton coy on F1 future after Max Verstappen wins title
- ‘Unacceptable’: George Russell slams Max Verstappen F1 championship win
Like Clarkson, he went on to praise how poised Hamilton, who is set to be knighted on Wednesday, had been in defeat, as did Gary Lineker.
England star Harry Kane said: “I’m new to F1 and it’s been amazing to watch Lewis and Max battle it out. I’m no expert on it but I feel like there’s some bizarre rules that give an unfair advantage like today? Why should Hamilton be penalised for somebody else’s crash?”
Speaking after the race, Hamilton said: “Firstly, big congratulations to Max and to his team.
“But I’m so proud of my own team and we gave it absolutely everything. I’ve felt great in the car the last couple of months. We’ll see what happens next year.”
Verstappen said: “It’s insane. I don’t know what to say. I’m so pleased for the team and for all these guys. I love working with them so much. “Finally today I had a bit of luck. My team know I love them and I want to do this with them for the next 10 or 15 years!”
