OFFICIAL: Mercedes withdrawal appeal against Abu Dhabi GP result

 Mercedes has officially announced that they will not protest against the decision of the FIA. That makes Max Verstappen the official world champion.

Mercedes end protest

On Monday afternoon it was reported that Mercedes would consider withdrawing its protest against the FIA. After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Mercedes filed two protests after the race, but the FIA ignored both protests. Mercedes, however, indicated that it would protest against this decision.

Now Mercedes has realised that there is little to be gained from the protest and even if they win, it will be at the expense of the sport. A protracted court case does no good to the image of the sport and an eighth world title for Lewis Hamilton won in such a way is not what they want either.