Ecclestone has little sympathy for Hamilton: "That's utter nonsense"

Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is not satisfied with the behaviour of Mercedes in the aftermath of the all decisive Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi. He argues that Max Verstappen was right to become world champion and that claims that Lewis Hamilton was 'robbed' of the world title are nonsense.

The Formula One championship final was understandably tough for Hamilton, who saw his eighth world title go up in smoke on the very last lap. However, Ecclestone can muster little sympathy for Hamilton and his team.

Ecclestone has no sympathy for Hamilton

"About being robbed is complete and utter nonsense," says the 91-year-old Briton in conversation with Sky Sports. He even pinpoints a moment in the race with which he believes the Mercedes driver got away particularly well. "On the first lap he went off the circuit and came back on again and Verstappen stayed on the circuit and did absolutely nothing wrong," he states.

He continues: "Lewis wasn't punished at all for that, so he shouldn't be complaining too much. These things happen all the time in sports. We shouldn't blame the race director, because he did exactly what was the right thing to do."

Hamilton claimed on his onboard radio that the race was rigged by Michael Masi's decision, but Ecclestone doesn't want to know about that either. "I'd like to know who has been manipulating and is clever enough to do that," said the former Formula One chief. According to him, there was only a set of circumstances, as so often happens during a season.