Feb.4 - The "controversy" surrounding the end of the ultra-intense 2021 world championship is not a good thing.

While the maxim 'all publicity is good publicity' is often the case, MotoGP supremo Carmelo Ezpeleta says that doesn't apply to the way the Max Verstappen versus Lewis Hamilton saga ended last year in Abu Dhabi.

"I don't want such a finale in MotoGP," he told Spain's Marca.

"Of course I would like two riders fighting for the title until the last race, but the way it all turned out? No."

F1 race director Michael Masi has taken most of the heat for the controversial decisions surrounding that final safety car in Abu Dhabi - with many reports predicting he will be ousted.

"I'm not for or against anyone," Ezpeleta insists. "It was a fantastic world championship, the battle was fought to the end, but at the end there was also controversy which is not good.

"I don't like the fact that doubts arose afterwards and then the runner-up said nothing more," added the Spaniard, referring to the way Hamilton disappeared after the finale and is still yet to emerge.

Indeed, some are predicting that the seven time world champion might even quit the sport over the saga.

"Honestly, if that were to happen, it would be quite difficult for the FIA to quickly recover from that," said former F1 driver Karun Chandhok.

"So I hope it doesn't happen."

MotoGP's Ezpeleta recalled similar trouble when Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez clashed in 2015, explaining: "I certainly don't dream of that again.

"It was good news for everyone from the point of view of media attention, but I certainly don't want it."


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9 F1 Fan comments on “Title controversy 'not good' for F1 says MotoGP boss

  1. ReallyOldRacer

    Gimme a friggin' break. The only people still prattling on about 2021 are the HAM apologists (you know who you are). Nobody else gives a rat's ass. It's 2022.....let's go racing.

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    • Just another opinion

      The consequences of what happened in 2021 - and particularly Abu Dhabi - will have significant impact this year and into the future. I'd wager that the Rat's Ass is a lot more relevant than you suggest, ROR.

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      • ReallyOldRacer

        You're going to have to define "significant impact". If you mean pub fodder, absolutely, and it's fun. If you mean fundamental change, let history be your guide. There have been many examples of meaningful controversy that have had little to no impact on our sport. BTW, adding 4 pages to a 1100 page rulebook is not fundamental change.

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        • Just another opinion

          As you say, let history be the judge of that, ROR. But the actual number of pages has no relevance with regards to the significance of of the impact. One line in the rules can have a significant impact.

          Perhaps that line could be: 'The Race Director can't make it up as he goes along' :) Just saying...

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  2. David BEDSON

    Was ‘ Malice a fore thought’ Mercedes obviously thought so as they took a leading Barrister to the race,😂
    We all need to understand that F1 is historically renowned for it’s cheating and dodgy dealing .
    Perhaps that is why many of us are enthralled by the ‘Sport’.
    It’s just a pity to end such a fantastic season (with a fully deserved World Champion) will only be remembered for the shambles of Abu Dhabi.

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    • shroppyfly

      Not sure about that, big up Hamilton, if the people want, but Max ....lets be honest monstered on a few few occasions in the season and hes what 6 seasons , LL is 14.

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    • Brian T

      No problem with your opinion, but I don’t think there is any racing as good as MotoGP. Lots of passing, high danger, more evenly spread competition (racers and teams), and mostly good venues.

      Reply

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