Hamilton, Verstappen And The Rule Of Law

• Published date: 20 December 2021
• Law Firm: Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP
• Author: Mr John MacKenzie

It makes for great entertainment if a competition comes down to the last few minutes. So a dramatic final race in Abu Dhabi should have been the finishing flourish for a Formula One season that has been one of the closest in years, with Sir Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen fighting it out for the championship.

Instead, the last lap generated huge controversy after a decision by the Race Director to allow some cars to unlap themselves, and order the safety car in immediately.

Verstappen won the race and the championship as part of Team Red Bull, but Mercedes, for whom Hamilton drives, cried foul. Public reaction has been vocal, with many suggesting that Verstappen's win will be tainted as the Race Director gave him an unfair advantage.

Challenging decisions

In any competition, there are winners and losers. There are rules that govern behaviour, and it is these rules that make the competition fair. Everyone knows the game that is being played and can conduct themselves accordingly.

Sometimes there are rules that are not clear. For example, the Code of Driving Conduct on Circuits says drivers "must use the track at all times", yet also states that "manoeuvres liable to hinder other drivers, such as...