Formula 1 has had its fair share of controversies over the years. The high stakes, intense competition, and complex rules often set the stage for disputes, debates, and drama. Let’s take a look at some of the most controversial moments in F1 history.
The Controversy of Abu Dhabi 2021
Perhaps one of the most recent and contentious moments in the sport’s history was the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of 2021. The championship fight between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen came down to the final race, and what unfolded was a dramatic and controversial finale.
After a late safety car period, race director Michael Masi decided to allow some, but not all, lapped cars to unlap themselves. This decision effectively set up a one-lap shootout between Hamilton and Verstappen. Verstappen, with the advantage of fresh tyres, was able to overtake Hamilton and win the championship.
This decision was highly controversial, with many questioning whether it was in line with the sporting regulations. The Mercedes team lodged protests, which were subsequently dismissed, leaving many fans and pundits to debate the fairness and integrity of the decision.
While the dust has started to settle, the controversy surrounding the Abu Dhabi 2021 Grand Prix will undoubtedly remain a hot topic of discussion for years to come.
The Multi-21 Incident of 2013
In the annals of F1 controversy, the Multi-21 incident of the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix is a standout. This was a team orders controversy involving Red Bull drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.
Team orders came through instructing ‘Multi-21’, a code meaning car number 2 (Webber) should finish ahead of car number 1 (Vettel). However, Vettel defied the orders, overtook Webber and went on to win the race. This sparked outrage within the team and beyond, causing a serious rift between the two teammates and leading many to question the ethics of disobeying team orders in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.
The Spygate Scandal of 2007
F1’s Spygate scandal in 2007 was another moment that rocked the sport. It emerged that McLaren had confidential technical documents belonging to Ferrari. The ensuing controversy led to McLaren being fined $100 million and disqualified from the Constructors’ Championship that year. This incident not only caused a sensation in the sport but also led to a rethinking of the rules and regulations around information sharing and team secrets.
The Battle of Senna and Prost in 1989 and 1990
No list of F1 controversies would be complete without mentioning the infamous rivalry between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. The two drivers, both world champions, were teammates at McLaren in the late 80s, but their relationship was anything but friendly.
In the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix, a collision between the two resulted in Prost retiring and Senna going on to win, only to be controversially disqualified for cutting a chicane after the incident. This gave the championship to Prost, much to Senna’s dismay.
The following year, in a case of déjà vu, the pair collided again at the same circuit. This time, it was Senna who emerged as the champion. The incidents marked a significant and bitter chapter in F1 history, showing that even the greatest of teammates can become the fiercest of rivals.
The Crashgate Scandal of 2008
The last controversy in this list is the ‘Crashgate’ scandal of 2008. This scandal erupted when Nelson Piquet Jr., driving for Renault, crashed deliberately at the Singapore Grand Prix to help his teammate Fernando Alonso gain an advantage.
The incident came to light a year later when Piquet Jr., who had been dropped by Renault, revealed that he had been ordered to crash. The fallout was immense, with team principal Flavio Briatore and chief engineer Pat Symonds receiving bans from the sport (which were later overturned), and Renault being put on a two-year suspended ban.
These moments have not only stirred debates but also led to changes in regulations and procedures. They highlight the intense competition in Formula 1 and the lengths teams and drivers will sometimes go to secure a win. As we gear up for the next season, one can only anticipate what new controversies might be around the corner.
Written by Gareth Booth
Leave a Reply