Gary Lineker has aimed another dig at F1 chiefs after the report into the events of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was finally released.
The FIA said race director Michael Masi had acted in "good faith" despite his controversial actions surrounding the safety car procedure, which ultimately gifted Max Verstappen the chance to pass Lewis Hamilton on the final lap. However, Masi has already been removed from his post, and the report concluded that a number of clear errors were made in the dramatic finale at the Yas Marina.
The controversy centred around Masi, under pressure from Red Bull boss Christian Horner, altering his original instructions over whether cars were allowed to unlap themselves. He eventually permitted them to do so, but only if they were placed between then leader Hamilton and Verstappen.
TV presenter Lineker made his feelings known at the time, tweeting that Hamilton was "robbed" before taking a dig at Masi and co at the annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony. And after the report was released on Saturday, he took aim again.
The BBC Sport Twitter account posted "Formula 1's governing body has said "human error" was responsible for the incorrect application of rules in the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix." And the former England international was cutting with his response.
"Most robberies are committed by humans," he wrote. His post duly prompted a mixed response, with many fans still divided over the saga that has overshadowed the build-up to the 2022 campaign.
Published by the FIA 97 days after the race, the report also outlined how "the race director called the safety car back into the pit lane without it having completed an additional lap as required by the Formula 1 sporting regulations." Had Masi followed the correct procedure, Hamilton would have won an unprecedented eighth world crown.
"The decisions likely took into account previous discussions that made clear the F1 stakeholders' preference to end races under green-flag racing conditions, rather than behind a safety car, when safe to do so," the report continued. "Human error led to the fact that not all cars were allowed to un-lap themselves. From now on, the communication as to the cars that must un-lap themselves will be automated."
However, the report also criticised members of both Red Bull and Mercedes for frequently making contact with Masi during the race. They said the discussions proved "distracting" for the race director.
The FIA also outlined a number of new measures designed to avoid a repeat of the mistakes. Most notably, there will now be a remote operations centre at the FIA headquarters in Geneva to assist race control.
In Masi's place, two race directors - Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas - will take charge. It was also recommended direct communications between team bosses and race directors should be forbidden.
The timing of the release has been questioned, just hours ahead of the opening qualifying session for the Bahrain Grand Prix. The race will mark the start of a new era in F1, with new technical regulations being brought into the sport.
