Lewis Hamilton issues FIA threat response with points deduction possible in title decider

Lewis Hamilton goes undercover to inspire school children

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Lewis Hamilton has responded to a warning from the FIA suggesting unsportsmanlike conduct could result in points deductions in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s title battle will climax on Sunday, and there is widespread hope that the 2021 world champion won’t be crowned via a collision.

The pair’s contact in last weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was the third race in which they’ve collided in this turbulent season – after Silverstone and Monza.

And championship-deciding races haven’t been alien to controversy throughout F1 history, with Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Michael Schumacher just a few drivers who have profited from such scenarios.

Formula 1 Race Director Michael Masi has sent out a stern reminder of the FIA’s International Sporting Code in his pre-race notes.

On top of his usual notes, he included a section outlining what points could be deducted ahead of a heated encounter between Red Bull and Mercedes.

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Hamilton and Verstappen enter the race level on 369.5 points with 17 race victories between them.

The Dutch challenger currently has the advantage on account of win countback, leading Hamilton nine wins to eight.

If they’re involved in a collision on Sunday which rules both out of the race, Verstappen would be crowned champion for the first time.

But the FIA will be on hand to deduct points if, for example, he was to purposely turn the tide in his favour in an unsportsmanlike and unsafe manner.

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On Thursday, Hamilton agreed with FIA’s stance on conduct if an on-track collision happens to decide the world champion in Abu Dhabi.

He said: “It’s happened in the past obviously, and I am sure the stewards hadn’t taken the precautions they have this time around.

“I think that’s fair that they do it, and hopefully, they won’t need to be used, and we have a great race and move forward.

“I don’t really have an opinion about it otherwise, I’m here to do my job and don’t really want to see the stewards and they don’t want to see me.”

Hamilton has described Mercedes’ position as “unmarked territory” as he searches for a record-breaking eighth world title whilst denying Max Verstappen his first.

“We’re into unmarked territory as a team and with the year we’ve had I’m sure so many people would have ruled us out being this close right at the end,” Hamilton explained.

“It’s been an incredible group effort from everyone back at the factory and at the track. No one’s ever done eight before.

“I feel grateful. I remember what it’s like also going for your first, I had those experiences and rollercoaster of emotions you go through.”

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