F1 | Abu Dhabi GP | “I'm here for a great race,” says Hamilton after FIA’s pre-race warning
After the FIA issued warnings ahead of the Abu Dhabi GP, Hamilton hopes it will be a clean race and ultimately clean title fight between him and contender Max Verstappen.
After an eventful and controversial race in Saudi Arabia, Michael Masi, FIA Race Director, pointed out several points in the FIA’s International Sporting Code as a warning for the teams.
The fear was that Formula 1 World Champion title contenders would be involved in a battle that contained combative circumstances that would end up in penalties for either party in the battle.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were paired for the press conference ahead of the last race of the 2021 season and were asked about this warning.
"It's happened in the past. I'm sure the stewards have taken the precautions they have this time around. I think that's fair that they do it," Hamilton told accredited media present.
"Hopefully they won't need to be used and we have a great race and move forward, but I don't really particularly have an opinion about it.
"I'm here to do my job and I don't want to see the stewards any more than they want to see me!"
Hamilton also expressed his hopes for a clean race from all drivers and teams.
"Going into the weekend, I don't put any energy towards that sort of thing. I think at the end of the day, I truly do believe that everyone here racing comes to win. I would like to believe everyone wants to do it the right way,” he said.
“I'm here for a great race. We're arriving on the positive as a team, we've got the car in a great place. They won here last year,” referring to title rivals, Red Bull.
“So, without doubt, they're going to be strong this weekend. But I think we've chased and caught up a lot. And I think we can come here and be strong this weekend.”
Both drivers were also asked about a potential clash that could be the key point in deciding this year’s title. While Red Bull driver Verstappen talked about not thinking about this sort of thing and heading to the race wanting to do your best and of course trying to win, the reigning champion Lewis Hamilton added his point of view.
"There's not really much more to add. I think I can't control those things around me. All I can do is control what I do in terms of preparation and how I conduct myself."
This weekend’s race in Abu Dhabi will be the first in many years in which both title contenders will be heading into the weekend tied on points, so each movement and strategy will be key to decide both drivers' and constructors' championships.
