Abu Dhabi 2021 GP: New footage suggests Michael Masi was swayed by Red Bull in final laps

The 2021 Formula One Abu Dhabi GP is one of the most talked about sporting events in recent memory.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen‘s final race shootout was predicted to be a blockbuster affair, although things looked like they were going to end with the former winning by a considerable distance.

However, events in Abu Dhabi took a dramatic turn when Williams’ Nicholas Latifi crashed out in the final stages of the race and the Safety Car was introduced.

The race was then restarted with just a single lap to go and Verstappen – who was on fresher tires – flew past Hamilton, who’d had his considerable lead taken away from him by the aforementioned events, to claim a first ever world title.

It’s one of the most unbelievable finishes to any sporting event in the 21st century and new footage containing previously unheard radio messages only adds to the controversy.

In the short video clip – which has gone viral on social media – race director Michael Masi appears to simply abide by the wishes of Red Bull’s team manager Jonathan Wheatley without first checking the legality of the bizarre situation at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Check out the rather damning footage here…

This is shocking. New emerging footage of @F1 Abu Dhabi GP containing previously unheard radio. Masi essentially executed the instructions of Jonathan Wheatley (Red Bull) without any second thought over its legality or fairness. This should be sickening listening to any fan. pic.twitter.com/XkOWmjGhH0

Wheatley: “Obviously those lapped cars, you don’t need to let them go… right away round and catch up with the back of the pack.”

Masi: “Understood.”

Wheatley: “You need to let them go…”

Masi: “Understood just give me a second…”

Wheatley: “… and then we got a motor