In last year’s F1 season finale, Lewis Hamilton looked set to clinch his eighth world championship title after dominating most of the Yas Marina race.
However, things changed when a late safety car was triggered after Nicholas Latifi crashed his Williams.
During the restart, F1 race director Michael Masi failed to follow the correct procedures – selectively allowing only a few stragglers to break away, then restarting the race a lap earlier than allowed under the regulations.
This gave Max Verstappen, who had taken fresh tyres, one final lap to overtake Hamilton and take the victory that earned him his first world title.
Mercedes initially protested the result and appeared ready to take the case to the appeals court, before eventually backing down in the interests of sport.
The FIA launched a full investigation into what happened, and Masi was ruled out as part of an overhaul of the way F1 race control was handled.
But as not all Hamilton fans can put an end to the pain of what happened that night, Wolff also admitted that he too finds it difficult to forget what happened.
Asked by Autosport in an exclusive interview if he still reflects on what happened in Abu Dhabi, Wolff said: “I think about it every day. But I have my peace with Max winning the championship, because he is a deserving champion.
“How it happened, I think I have values around fairness, and in particular fairness in sport. That’s what gives my fundamental love for sport. And then it hit with the feet that day.
Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes AMG
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Although many questions remain about what really happened in race control that day, especially with the recent emergence that Masi signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) never to talk about it, the FIA tried to draw a line under the events.
But there have been ongoing questions this year about the consistency of the new race control structure, as well as the approach and attitude of new FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Reflecting on the work Ben Sulayem has done so far, Wolff said some difficulties were unavoidable given the shift in approach he was seeking to bring about.
“I think Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the way he hires and recruits, shows the direction for me,” he said.
“Each personality has its advantages. And I think the main focus of being transparent, providing good governance and a good framework is what I see happening.
“Will there be obstacles in the way because Mohammed’s organization has to be put in place and everyone has to find their role? Yes of course. But I’m happy with how it’s going.
“They are open-minded. They have no opinion. For me, transparent, honest and with integrity.
