Webber says F1 could use a year off: 'Old scars that need some healing'

The 2021 World Championship had a controversial ending after Max Verstappen managed to overtake his rival Lewis Hamilton for victory on the final lap. According to former Formula One driver Mark Webber, the Brit didn't stand a chance.

The result had a big impact on Hamilton, who disappeared from social media for weeks after the race and did not speak up anywhere. The Briton has become active again on Twitter and Instagram last weekend and shared images of his training.

Next season, a lot will change due to the new regulations, so there is no guarantee that Mercedes and Red Bull Racing will fight each other for the world title again. According to Mark Webber, the sport actually needs a year's break. "There's still some old scars there that need some healing", the Australian says in an interview with Wide World of Sports.

The crash of Nicholas Latifi caused a safety car to arrive. Verstappen opted for fresher tires, giving him an advantage over Hamilton on the restart. "When it's Max Verstappen on fresh tyres it's a real challenge. Hamilton had nothing to fight with, and it wasn't through his own doing", Webber continues.

With the seven-time world champion's return on social media and multiple hints from Mercedes, it seems that Hamilton will simply be back on the grid next season. He will probably go for his eighth world title with extra motivation after the big loss in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, the team is still waiting for the results of the FIA 's investigation into the events of the final race.