In a statement that has sent shockwaves through the world of Formula 1, an FIA steward has publicly claimed that Lewis Hamilton “deserves” an eighth World Championship title, reigniting fierce debate over the controversial ending of the 2021 season and the broader treatment of the sport’s most decorated driver.

Speaking anonymously to AutoSport Weekly during a behind-the-scenes interview, the steward — who has been involved in over a decade of F1 decision-making — said:

“There’s no question in my mind: Lewis Hamilton should have had his eighth title. What happened in Abu Dhabi 2021 was not just unfortunate — it was wrong. The world saw it. He earned it, and he was denied.”

 The 2021 Abu Dhabi Debacle: Still Haunting the Grid

Hamilton’s seventh championship in 2020 tied him with the legendary Michael Schumacher. In 2021, he was on track to make history — leading most of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and seemingly cruising toward his record-breaking eighth title.

That is, until a late-race safety car and race director Michael Masi’s controversial decision to selectively allow some lapped cars to unlap themselves — a move that placed Max Verstappen, on fresh tires, directly behind Hamilton for a final-lap shootout.

Verstappen overtook Hamilton and secured his first world title in what many, including top analysts, still call the most contentious finish in F1 history.

The steward’s fresh remarks have now reignited that fire, suggesting that even within the FIA, there was and remains doubt about the legitimacy of that result.

 “He Was Robbed in Plain Sight”

The steward continued:

“We’re supposed to uphold fairness and consistency. But that night, the rules were bent in a way that changed everything. Lewis didn’t lose because of a mistake — he lost because the process broke down.”

Though the FIA conducted an internal investigation into the Abu Dhabi events and acknowledged “human error” in the race management, it stopped short of overturning the result or formally apologizing to Hamilton.

 Hamilton Fans Outraged — and Vindicated

Unsurprisingly, the steward’s comments have sent social media into meltdown.

The hashtag #JusticeForLewis immediately trended on X (formerly Twitter), with fans flooding forums and comment sections to express a mix of anger and vindication.

“We’ve known it since Day One. Finally, someone from inside the FIA admits it,” one user posted.

“It’s not about favoritism. It’s about fairness. Lewis won that race. He won that title,” another commented.

 Will This Trigger Any Official Action?

Despite the explosive nature of the claim, FIA officials have yet to issue a formal response. When asked if the steward’s view represents an internal shift, one FIA spokesperson stated:

“The comments made do not reflect the official position of the FIA. The matter regarding the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was closed after our investigation and subsequent rule changes.”

Still, insiders say the growing pressure — both from fans and some figures within the sport — could force the FIA to reopen discussions around how the championship is awarded in the future and how controversial decisions are handled.

 What Does This Mean for Max Verstappen?

While Verstappen has gone on to dominate the 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons, some argue that the shadow of 2021 continues to follow him — especially now.

The steward clarified that the issue is not with Verstappen, but with the handling of the race.

“Max is a brilliant driver. No one is blaming him for what happened. But as officials, we have a duty to protect the integrity of the sport. And that didn’t happen that day.”

 Hamilton’s Pursuit of Title Number Eight Continues

Now with Mercedes showing signs of a performance resurgence in 2025, Hamilton has not given up on his goal of an eighth title. Despite the setback of 2021, the British superstar remains focused and resilient.

In a recent interview, Hamilton said:

“History has its eyes on all of us. I don’t need validation from anyone — I just need another chance.”

 Final Thoughts

The FIA steward’s shocking statement has reopened a wound that never fully healed — for fans, for Hamilton, and even for the sport itself. While it’s unlikely the championship will ever be retroactively awarded, the moral and symbolic weight of this claim is undeniable.

Whether or not the FIA chooses to respond officially, the message is loud and clear: justice in Formula 1 is not just about trophies — it’s about truth, transparency, and trust.

And in the eyes of many, Lewis Hamilton still has one title left to claim — and one wrong to be made right.