Marko: 'I can only say that this was a grand gesture from Mercedes'

Red Bull Racing chief Helmut Marko says Mercedes made a wise decision by not appealing the result of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The consultant calls the decision a 'grand gesture.'

Following Max Verstappen's victory on the dramatic final lap of the last race, which secured the world title for the Dutchman, Mercedes lodged two protests, both of which were rejected by the stewards.

The Brackley-based team immediately announced its intention to appeal. However, just hours before the FIA gala in Paris, Mercedes waived their right to appeal, a decision Marko welcomed. "I can only say that this was a grand gesture from Mercedes," the Austrian told the Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Red Bull advisor understands that the loss hit Hamilton hard, but points out that Verstappen had more than enough bad luck himself during the season. "Hamilton has definitely been unlucky, but so were we at Silverstone, in Budapest and in Baku. This is how races can go, but I understand the disappointment," Marko said.