WOKING, U.Okay — Daniel Ricciardo most likely had the most effective view of anybody on the earth of Max Verstappen’s title-winning cross — and the defensive strikes which adopted — on Lewis Hamilton finally yr’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Ricciardo was sat within the subsequent automotive again. Controversially, the truth is. Ricciardo’s very presence there’s a reminder of the questions that also linger from that race.

Not like the lapped vehicles which had been between Hamilton and Verstappen behind the security automotive within the closing laps Ricciardo, and each different lapped automotive behind him, weren’t allowed to overhaul the leaders and drive again round to hitch the pack earlier than the race restarted.

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Masi’s choice to use the principles on this trend didn’t observe the FIA’s rules concerning a security automotive restart.

That decision allowed Verstappen, on model new tyres, to assault Hamilton, on previous tyres, in a one-lap dash to the end with no lapped vehicles in the best way. Verstappen overtook the seven-time world champion on the within of Flip 3 after which defended two Hamilton counter assaults within the corners which adopted, combating off leg cramp as he did so, in one of the crucial dramatic finishes to an F1 season ever.

Ricciardo, watching from the cockpit of the subsequent automotive in line, stated he felt like a fan once more because it all unfolded in entrance of him.

When informed at McLaren’s 2022 automotive launch he had a reasonably good view of what went down, Ricciardo laughed and informed ESPN: “Yeah, it was a privilege!

“It was. It is humorous. There was not just one lap to go, my race was… I wasn’t within the race. It wasn’t a fantastic Sunday for me. I used to be actually a spectator on that final lap.

“Even going by means of Flip 2 and three I might see Max was kinda shut, I am like ‘Is Lewis gonna defend, what is going on on?’ I am fairly certain I noticed his gentle flash like he was clipping, I used to be like ‘why is he clipping on the final lap?’, I believed he’d have all of the battery to make use of.

“That is when Max went to cross, I used to be like, how is that this occurring!? I used to be watching as a fan in 2008 [at the Brazilian Grand Prix], the last-lap drama with Massa and Hamilton. It was lots to course of.”

Ricciardo’s post-race messages have been broadcast within the aftermath of the end and gained numerous traction within the weeks which adopted.

After ending, Ricciardo radioed McLaren to say: “I’ve bought no thought what they did with letting vehicles by means of. Clearly, I wasn’t actually in that anyway, nevertheless it appears unusual.”

He added: “I am glad I am not part of that — no matter simply occurred. It appeared fairly f—– up.”

Talking about that message two months on, Ricciardo stated he felt for Hamilton given how he misplaced the title.

“I used to be like, man, how would you’re feeling in the event you’re Hamilton proper now? You are main, then Security Automobile, after which this… woah, it is lots to soak up.

“After the race my radio was broadcast and I stated I am glad I wasn’t part of that’. It was an excessive amount of to deal with! So for that purpose I used to be most likely glad I wasn’t a part of what was happening in Hamilton’s head at that second.”

Talking on the launch of McLaren’s 2022 automotive, Ricciardo stated his fellow Australian Masi wants some help within the race director function to ensure that F1 to keep away from a repeat of the end in Abu Dhabi.