Mercedes signals intention to appeal Abu Dhabi protest decision

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Mercedes has predictably signaled to the FIA its intention to appeal the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stewards' decision to reject one of its protests lodged after Sunday's race.

The Brackley squad filed two protests on Sunday evening.

The first protest related to Mercedes' belief that Max Verstappen had overtaken Lewis Hamilton during the safety car period, while the second protest focused on race control's handling of the race's restart procedure which did not comply with F1's sporting regulations according to the German outfit.

Read also: Verstappen confirmed as champion - protests rejected!

Both protests were dismissed by the stewards' office in Abu Dhabi.

“We have lodged our intention to appeal Document 58 / the decision of the stewards to dismiss the team’s protest,” said a Mercedes spokesperson after the race on Sunday.

Subsequently, Mercedes is now allowed 96 hours to confirm its action with the FIA International Court of Appeal.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.