Lewis Hamilton saw his hopes of a record eighth F1 title go up in smoke earlier this month as he missed out on victory at the final race of the season in controversial fashion. The Briton looked set to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and take the championship before an unfortunate set of circumstances went against him.
As the race was entering its latter stages, Williams’ Nicholas Latifi crashed into a wall, which resulted in a safety car being deployed.
Hamilton’s nemesis Max Verstappen took the opportunity to pit for fresh tyres as the race was halted, while the Mercedes driver opted to stay on the track to ensure he didn’t lose his position at the front.
On his return to the track, five lapped cars separated Verstappen and Hamilton, with the rules stating that no overtaking was permitted.
But race director Michael Masi gave his permission for the five cars to move out of the way and allowed Verstappen to pull level with Hamilton for a one-lap shootout.
Verstappen took advantage of his fresh tyres and went past Hamilton to win the race and land his maiden title.
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The petition has now reached nearly 40,000 signatures as fans attempt to get their voices heard and change the outcome of the 2021 season.
Patel Gordon-Bennett, who created the petition argues that the events which transpired in the race didn’t comply with F1 rules.
“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,” he wrote in the petition.
“With less than one 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.”