Mercedes have decided to drop their appeal against Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 title win. Sunday’s season-ending race in Abu Dhabi saw Red Bull’s Verstappen claim victory and the title after the deployment of a late safety car led to the Dutchman being placed right behind Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton, who he then overtook on the final lap.
The team said they had made the decision following “constructive dialogue” with governing body FIA with regard to establishing clarity for future scenarios. Mercedes said in a statement: “The Mercedes-AMG Petronas team will actively work with this commission to build a better Formula 1 - for every team and every fan who loves this sport as much as we do. We will hold the FIA accountable for this process and we hereby withdraw our appeal.”
Mercedes had an immediate double appeal dismissed by the stewards on the day, then lodged an intention to appeal against that decision which they were required to trigger by Thursday evening, but they have chosen not to take the matter forward.
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