Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says safety‑car rules averted Abu Dhabi 2021 repeat at Silverstone

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff reflected on the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finish while praising the correct application of FIA safety‑car procedures at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone. A late safety car was deployed after Max Verstappen’s accident, and an erroneous “safety car in” message appeared on the penultimate lap, but the race did not resume, ending under the safety car with Charles Leclerc winning, George Russell second and Lewis Hamilton third. Wolff said he would have preferred such a scenario in 2021, noting that the regulations were followed even if it reduced spectacle.

He also mentioned that Mercedes would consider appealing a five‑second penalty imposed on Kimi Antonelli for damaging a tyre shield while battling for the win.