In a stunning revelation that reignites one of Formula 1's most explosive controversies, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has broken his silence about Michael Masi's fateful Abu Dhabi Grand Prix decisions that cost Lewis Hamilton his eighth world championship.
The Night That Changed F1 History
Wolff didn't hold back in his assessment of the former race director's actions during that dramatic 2021 season finale, drawing a powerful analogy that captures the sheer magnitude of the moment. "It's like somebody's trying to rob your house," Wolff revealed in an exclusive interview. "You can see them approaching and you're like, 'They're not going to come in, are they?' And then they do."
Burning Down the House
The Mercedes boss went even further, describing the emotional toll of watching the championship slip away in such controversial circumstances. "That is worst-case because then you're in a situation where you can't defend yourself," Wolff explained. "And that is what happened. He came in and just burned the house down."
These explosive comments come as Wolff prepares to release his new book, 'Welcome to the Circus', which promises to deliver unprecedented insight into one of modern sport's most contentious moments.
The Aftermath and Fallout
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has become synonymous with controversy in motorsport circles. Michael Masi's decision to allow only some lapped cars to unlap themselves during a late safety car period effectively handed Red Bull's Max Verstappen a championship-winning opportunity on a silver platter.
Wolff's comments suggest the wounds from that night remain fresh, despite the passage of time. The Mercedes team principal has largely remained tight-lipped about the specifics until now, making these revelations particularly significant for F1 historians and fans alike.
A Legacy of Controversy
The fallout from that dramatic evening was immediate and far-reaching. Michael Masi was eventually removed from his position as race director, while the FIA implemented significant changes to race control procedures in response to the widespread criticism.
Yet for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, the damage was done. The British driver saw his record-breaking eighth world championship vanish in a matter of laps, creating what many consider one of the greatest injustices in modern sporting history.
As Wolff prepares to share his full account in his upcoming book, these preview comments suggest F1 fans are in for a no-holds-barred account of one of the sport's most polarising moments.
