After the race in Jeddah, 1996 world champion Damon Hill told Sky Sports that the governing FIA needed to warn Verstappen and Hamilton of the consequences, should the title clash between them.
Formula One drivers could face suspension or lose all their points ahead of Sunday’s title clash at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, race director Michael Massi said.
Mercedes Lewis Hamilton (36) and his 24-year-old Red Bull rival Max Verstappen are in the floodlight finale at Yas Marina track level based on points, but Verstappen leads 9-8 on the win, which would make them champions if both manage to score. fail.
The pair have clashed three times this season, including the last race in Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about an exciting season ending in a clash.
However, describing the sport’s articles of the International Sporting Code as relating to “non-player” conduct and penalties for such behaviour, Massi sent a clear warning that such a scenario could have dire consequences.
“In particular I would like to remind you of the following articles below,” the Australian said in his event notes on 9 December.
They referred to Article 12.2.1l which deals with “any breach of the principles of fairness in competition, behavior in a non-player manner or attempting to influence the result of a competition in a manner that is contrary to sporting ethics.”
Massey also referred to Article 12.4.5 which may include penalty stewards including “suspension for one or more competitions, refund of points for championship, cup, challenge, trophy, series”.
Verstappen, in particular, is scrutinized for his uncompromising wheel-to-wheel racing.
The stewards took a dim view of their defensive strategy against Hamilton in Jeddah and found him primarily at fault for triggering the confrontation, punishing him twice for a total of 15 seconds.
After the race in Jeddah, 1996 world champion Damon Hill told sky game The governing FIA needs to warn Verstappen and Hamilton of the consequences should a clash between them decide the title.
“An example which was set in 1997 in the championship where [Michael] Schumacher’s points were taken away from him.”
“So if we have a [collision] Situation, I think the FIA should tell the teams and drivers in advance what they are likely to do.”
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