Steiner: ‘If Whiting was alive in 2021, Lewis would be an 8-time champion’

In his new book ‘Unfiltered’, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner revealed his thoughts on the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which saw Lewis Hamilton lose the title fight to Max Verstappen under controversial circumstances.

More specifically, race director (at the time) Michael Masi made a series of decisions in the final laps of the race, which went against the rules and practices of Safety Car deployment, and which directly influenced the outcome of the race, allowing Max Verstappen to win.

Steiner says this wouldn’t have happened had legendary long-time FIA Formula One Race Director Charlie Whiting been alive and in charge of the race.

“Wherever your loyalties lie with that one (and yes, I agree, it was amazing entertainment), from a regulations point of view it was a s**t show of biblical proportions,” Steiner wrote.

“And regardless of what decision Charlie Whiting might have made in Michael Masi’s position there would have been far less controversy and embarrassment.

“Oh, fok it, we all know what Charlie would have done. Had he been at the helm Lewis would now be an eight-time world champion,” the German concluded.

Whiting served as Formula 1 race director from 1997 until his death in 2019.

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