Lewis Hamilton 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Petition Reaches Record Heights
Despite being a year and a half since the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the controversial finale of the race continues to stir emotions among Formula 1 fans. A Change.org petition demanding Lewis Hamilton be declared the 2021 champion has recently gained significant traction, collecting over 20,000 signatures within just one week. The petition is now inching closer to the 100,000 signatures mark as it presents itself to be the most-signed petition in F1 history.
2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: A Race That Made History
The dramatic conclusion of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is etched into the memories of motorsports enthusiasts worldwide. As the safety car entered the track, it seemed that the race would end in its shadow. However, in a surprising turn of events, race control ordered only the cars between Max Verstappen and Hamilton to pass, allowing the safety car to come in. This decision, coupled with Verstappen's fresher tires, enabled the Dutch driver to overtake Hamilton and clinch his maiden championship title.
The Petition
The race control's decision during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was met with significant backlash. Launched shortly after the season finale, the Change.org petition urges Formula 1 to recognise Hamilton as the 2021 champion.
"If you are an advocate of justice, honesty and fairness, please sign this petition. Leaving this decision as it stands will send a very wrong message to youngsters and future racers," the petition reads.
While the petition has been active for over a year, it recently experienced a substantial increase in support. Just a week ago, the number of signatures surpassed 75,000, and now it stands at an impressive 97,000. The exact reason behind this surge in support remains uncertain, but it's clear that the call for justice in the 2021 championship race remains a hot topic among fans.
The whole petition reads:
I believe that justice was not served on Sunday December 12, 2021 when the FIA stewards denied Lewis Hamilton of his win of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With less than 1 lap remaining, some lapped cars were allowed to pass the safety car, which does not comply with the rules of the F1 sport. This gave rival opponent Max Verstappen the opportunity to overtake Lewis Hamilton and win the Grand Prix. If you are an advocate of justice, honesty and fairness, please sign this petition. Leaving this decision as it stands will send a very wrong message to youngsters and future racers.
The Unlikely Reversal: How the Petition May Impact the Official Outcome
Despite the petition's growing popularity, it's doubtful that it will have any bearing on the official results of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff had already requested the race outcome to be reverted to the pre-safety car positions during the event.