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What options do Mercedes have left to deprive Verstappen the world title?
Mercedes protested against two things after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but the German formation was disappointed. The international motorsport federation did not go along with Mercedes and rejected both protests. Nevertheless, Toto Wolff's team can once again lodge a protest against the FIA's decision. What are Mercedes' options?
Mercedes first thought that Max Verstappen should get a time penalty of five seconds for overtaking Lewis Hamilton under the safety car. However, because Verstappen was behind Hamilton again when he crossed the safety car line, the FIA deemed a penalty inappropriate. The second protest about not letting all cars unlap on the penultimate lap was deemed unfounded.
Mercedes will not leave it at that
Mercedes has already informed the FIA that it will appeal against this second decision. They will do so at the FIA's International Court of Appeal (ICA). The Brackley based team now has 72 hours to make a serious case. It is a matter of some urgency though, as the FIA gala is on Thursday.
During the gala, the trophy for the world title is always awarded to the champion. At the moment the trophy has been handed over it seems like it can't be turned back. Mercedes will have to explain why they think that Hamilton and not Verstappen should win the world title.
Going to CAS is not excluded
If Mercedes doesn't find a solution with the ICA, they can also choose to take their case to the CAS, the Court of Arbitration and Sport. The CAS is an independent tribunal for settling disputes in the field of sports. It always takes a couple of months before a case is brought before the CAS, so the big question is how it will turn out with regards to awarding the trophy. In any case, it will be very interesting to watch next week.
The big question, however, is how likely Mercedes is to win at CAS. As a rule, CAS handles a lot of cases related to doping or big transfer fees in football. That the CAS is asked to look at jury decisions doesn't happen often.
