Jean Todt has revealed that he was urged by both Christian Horner and Toto Wolff to intervene during the controversial end to the 2021 Formula 1 season in Abu Dhabi. The race and championship was won by Max Verstappen after rules were incorrectly applied by Race Director Michael Masi, which resulted in a last-lap shootout between the Dutchman and Lewis Hamilton. The former FIA President stepped down in the days after the race, to make way for the incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem who launched an investigation into the events. "I didn't do anything, it's not the role of the president of the FIA," Todt told Corriere della Sera . Todt compared his position as being similar to FIFA President Gianni Infantino telling referees when there should be a penalty. "The referees must be autonomous, have you ever heard Infantino say, 'There was a penalty here, but not here?'" he explained.
Todt: They call me, Horner and Wolff, after the race
A documentary entitled 'The Method' about Todt that premiered on French TV channel Canal+ shows the former FIA President watching the race. Todt was not at the Grand Prix, but claims he was rung by both the Mercedes and Red Bull bosses who urged him to intervene. "In the documentary you can see that I'm watching that race in the country house together with the crew," says Todt. "They call me, Horner and Wolff [after the race], and I reply to them, 'I cannot interfere, it is the responsibility of the commissioners and the race director.'"
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