“Mercedes do have a case” – Specialist lawyer claims Max Verstappen’s title win COULD be overturned

Originally posted on BenchWarmers | By Jamie Wilkinson | Last updated 12/13/21

A lawyer has revealed his belief that Mercedes have a real case to overturn the result of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, were they to take their appeal to court.

We are still yet to hear from Team Mercedes in wake of the final race of the Formula 1 season.

Their argument is that Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was gifted his first-ever World Championship win by a last-lap Michael Masi tweak of the rules.

Mercedes were shut in with the stewards for several hours following the race arguing their case, but the FIA decided to reject their two counts of appeal.

It’s down to Toto Wolff and his team whether they contest it any further, but if they were to, “a barrister at Howard Kennedy specialising in international arbitration and litigation” has told the Guardian that they DO have a case:

“There was a challenge to the FIA last night which was resolved very quickly. The FIA, marking its own homework, perhaps unsurprisingly said that they stood by the decision of the race director Michael Masi.”

“Mercedes do have a case and I think it is quite likely they will take it to a court of arbitration because so much turns on the outcome of these races they may feel they really have no choice.”

This comes after the Times reported that Mercedes were set to abandon their appeal in order to protect the reputation of Formula 1, which has taken a considerable hit over the past 24 hours.

The whole situation is precariously poised, and you have to wonder what’s going through the mind of Max Verstappen right now. We hope the parties involved reach a swift conclusion one way or another…

This article first appeared on BenchWarmers and was syndicated with permission.

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