P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Horner claims Mercedes cost Hamilton eighth F1 title
According to Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner, it was Mercedes’ strategy during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021 that ultimately prevented Lewis Hamilton from securing his eighth world title, rather than the controversial late safety car incident. Horner implies that the way Mercedes managed their pit stops and tire choices had a significant impact on Hamilton’s race performance and overall championship chances. He suggests that this tactical approach played a decisive role in Max Verstappen’s victory and Hamilton’s failure to overtake him. Although there was controversy surrounding the safety car deployment, Horner argues that it was Mercedes’ strategy that ultimately cost Hamilton the championship.
