F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Mercedes deserved more reward for winning title - Todt

Outgoing FIA president Jean Todt says that the Mercedes team deserved more recognition for their achievement of winning an eighth consecutive Formula 1 constructors championship.

The German squad finished the season with a 28 point lead in the standings to clinch this year's team title, continuing an unbroken run in the modern hybrid era dating back to their first in 2014.

But the achievement has been overshadowed by the events of the final lap in Abu Dhabi last Sunday which saw Lewis Hamilton miss out on the drivers title to his Red Bull rival Max Verstappen.

Mercedes considered lodging a formal appeal over the result, and neither Hamilton nor team boss Toto Wolff attended the official FIA prize giving gala in Paris on Thursday. Chief technical officer James Allison collected the award on behalf of the team.

"I think tonight we should celebrate rather than trying to get into any kind of controversy," Todt said in answer to questions from the media including RacingNews365.com. "There is no point. What would it give?

"I feel sorry because Mercedes should have much more reward, as eight-time world champion for the manufacturers is unique," he continued.

But he said that despite the controversy that has been raging, Verstappen had done an "outstanding job" this season and thoroughly deserved his maiden drivers world championship success.

"I think he gets what he deserves, he did a great season," Todt said of the Dutch driving superstar. "It is true that he was very lucky in the last lap, but you should see the whole season.

"Was he lucky at Silverstone? Was he lucky in Azerbaijan? Was he lucky in Budapest? He was not!

"So at the end of the day, all season and of course the last race, same number of points, you could have another expectation. But to quote Max, 'It is what it is'."

Todt was marking his last day in the role of president, which he took over in 2009 from Max Mosely who held the position for 16 years.

His former Ferrari colleague and current Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali was among those to pay tribute to Todt's contribution to the sport on Thursday.

“Your professional life has always been characterised by true values," said Domenicali. "We thank you for all that you have done for the motor sport community and also for safety and human rights. You are leaving a lasting legacy.”

"We are going to miss him so much," commented Richard Mille, President of the FIA Endurance Commission. “He’s somebody you can call at 3 o’clock in the morning with a problem and he will wake up the world to solve the problem.”

Todt's son Nicholas who works as a driver manager F1 spoke of his pride in his father's achievements and accomplishments.

“Your successes are due to your passion for motorsport, your willingness to always push the boundaries, your capacity to get the very best from your colleagues and to never take no for an answer.”

Todt himself spoke of a strong future for the FIA and for global motorsport in the hands of his successor, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

“I know that the FIA will get fresh blood, a fresh team. Amongst the legacy I leave, I leave an amazing team which is able to continue to deliver.

“I still have the same passion. I am blessed, I still love motor racing," he said. "Now it is time to give something back in other areas of life.

"I am an old man but in good form and we will see what comes next.”

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.

Recent Posts

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

2 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

3 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

5 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

6 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

7 hours ago

Hamilton’s woes deepen after battling ‘plank of wood’ car in Brazil

Despite his best efforts, a lowly tenth-place finish was as good as it got for…

8 hours ago