Lewis Hamilton 's brother has launched an extraordinary attack on the FIA after the Mercedes driver missed out on the Formula One world championship.
The Brit, 36, was on the receiving end of late heartbreak at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a safety car presented Max Verstappen with the chance to snatch the race victory and the title in the final lap.
Hamilton had a substantial lead before Nicholas Latifi's serious crash resulted in a yellow flag in the 53rd of the 58 laps, packing the field together to set up a dramatic finale.
Verstappen, 24, capitalised on the incident by switching to a fresh set of soft tyres and went on to pass his great rival and secure his maiden triumph.
Did Max Verstappen deserve to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix? Have your say in the comments!
Crucially, the Dutchman benefited from a controversial stewards' decision to obtain a clear run at Hamilton when the safety car withdrew in time for one final racing lap.
After much deliberation, race director Michael Masi allowed the five lapped cars separating the two title contenders to overtake the safety car.
This meant Hamilton and Verstappen emerged from the yellow flag nose to tail, and the former had no chance of defending his position with worn hard tyres equipped.
Toto Wolff was enraged by Masi's decision and Mercedes subsequently lodged protests with the FIA over two potential rule breaches.
These initial complaints were dismissed by the governing body but Mercedes hit back later on Sunday evening by outlining their intention to lodge an appeal.
Their grievances are shared by Hamilton's brother, Nicholas, who tore into the FIA on Instagram while also praising Verstappen for his "fantastic" season.
Nicholas posted a picture of Lewis and wrote: "THE TRUE CHAMPION! The FIA broke their own rules, which is a disgrace to our whole sport. Nevertheless, regardless of being mistreated today, the Hamilton’s were humble in defeat.
"My father, the guy who raised us, congratulating Max & his father Jos.
"People can say what they like, but my Father’s gesture proves all of the doubters & haters wrong & shows who we are as ‘The Hamilton’s’.
"Proving people wrong is in our DNA, which Lewis does on a daily basis. With utter professionalism & decency in defeat, even though we all know, that he was let down by the sport that he has given so much to.
"Congratulations to Max for such a fantastic season from him."
Mercedes have 96 hours to decide whether they will follow up their statement of intent by launching a formal appeal.
