Former Red Bull Insider Reveals Damon Hill's 'Disdain' Post-2021 Abu Dhabi GP

Calum Nicholas, a former senior Red Bull technician, has shared extraordinary insights into the tumultuous 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, witnessing the controversial events firsthand as part of Max Verstappen's garage crew.

Why it matters:

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains one of Formula 1's most contentious races, its outcome dramatically shaping the championship and sparking widespread debate. Nicholas's insider account provides a unique perspective on the high-stakes emotions and the unexpected turn of events that led to Max Verstappen's maiden title, offering a glimpse into the Red Bull camp's journey from expected defeat to 'surreal' victory and the subsequent reactions from figures within the sport.

The details:

• Pre-race expectations: Leading into the final race, the Red Bull team felt the car's development had swung in Mercedes' favor, making a championship win seem unlikely despite Verstappen securing pole position. Nicholas described the team's traditional Saturday night barbecue as unusually quiet, with everyone heading to bed early, sensing a slim opportunity.
• A race of despair: Verstappen lost position at the start, and the team lacked pace, leading Nicholas to believe they had 'blown it'. He even stepped out of the garage for a cigarette, unable to watch, only to return to a sudden commotion.
• Latifi's crash and strategic pit-stop: Nicholas Latifi's crash triggered a Safety Car, a pivotal moment Red Bull capitalized on by pitting Verstappen for fresh tires. This strategic move, common for teams not in the lead during a Safety Car, proved critical when racing controversially resumed for the final lap.
• The 'surreal' finish: The call for an 'imminent' pit-stop transformed the atmosphere in the garage from dejection to frenzied activity. Nicholas described the subsequent moments, from screaming at the TVs to watching Verstappen overtake Hamilton, as 'surreal'.
• Post-race tension: While Red Bull celebrated, the controversial decision by then-FIA Race Director Michael Masi to resume racing under highly debated circumstances led to significant fallout. Nicholas recalls the pit lane becoming 'eerily quiet' as the 'war in the stewards office' began.

Between the lines:

Nicholas's personal encounter with 1996 F1 World Champion and Sky F1 pundit Damon Hill the morning after the race highlights the deep divisions within the F1 community regarding the outcome. Nicholas, wearing a 'Max Verstappen World Champion' T-shirt, perceived a 'look of disdain' from Hill, who was a vocal critic of the race's conclusion. This seemingly petty interaction underscores the intense emotions and polarized opinions that lingered long after the checkered flag, demonstrating how the controversy impacted even casual interactions between F1 personnel.

What's next:

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix continues to be a point of discussion, with new insights like Nicholas's constantly adding layers to the historical narrative. The event serves as a powerful reminder of how high-stakes decisions and unforeseen circumstances can forever alter the course of a championship, leaving an indelible mark on F1 history and the memories of those involved.