FIA and F1 Issue Major Announcement in Response to Hamilton 2021 Report: A Call for Transparency and Justice

In a significant development that has reignited global conversation within the motorsport community, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 have jointly issued a public confirmation regarding the long-debated events of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a race that controversially decided the world championship.

Following months of pressure from fans, journalists, and insiders, the FIA released a detailed summary of its internal findings related to the race—often referred to as one of the most controversial finishes in F1 history. The joint statement, released on Thursday, marks the first time both governing bodies have publicly acknowledged “procedural inconsistencies” that directly impacted the final race result.

Key Points from the Official FIA-F1 Announcement:

Procedural Errors Admitted: The FIA confirms that mistakes were made during the safety car deployment and restart protocol in the final laps of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Impact on Championship Outcome: The statement stops short of reversing the title outcome but acknowledges that the procedural deviations “unquestionably influenced the championship result.”

New Safeguards Implemented: As part of ongoing reforms, the FIA reiterated that updated race management procedures, including the restructuring of race control and the use of VAR-like systems, have been permanently instituted since 2022.

Lewis Hamilton Responds

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who lost the 2021 title in those final moments to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, issued a calm but firm statement shortly after the release.

“This is not just about me. It’s about fairness, transparency, and ensuring the sport we all love maintains its integrity,” Hamilton said.

He further emphasized the need to protect young drivers and fans’ trust in the sport moving forward.

F1 CEO and FIA President Speak Out

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the 2021 finale as a “turning point” that triggered much-needed reforms in Formula 1’s governance.

Meanwhile, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali added:

“We cannot rewrite history, but we can learn from it. Today’s announcement is part of that commitment.”

What This Means for the Future

While the FIA made it clear that the 2021 result will not be overturned, the confirmation is a powerful gesture toward accountability—something fans and stakeholders have long demanded. Legal analysts and sporting historians alike are expected to study this case for years to come, as it underscores the importance of oversight in high-stakes global competition.

More than just a response to a single race, this public acknowledgment may mark the start of a broader cultural shift within motorsport—one that emphasizes justice, fairness, and credibility over spectacle and sensationalism.