A number of F1 engineers believe that Sir Lewis Hamilton was “robbed” of the 2021 championship and want Max Verstappen to be stripped of his title.
That’s according to William Storey, the outspoken co-founder and CEO of Rich Energy.
The energy drinks company became the title sponsor of the Haas Formula 1 Team ahead of the 2019 season, but their partnership was terminated mid-way through the year, with Rich Energy “sacking” the American team due to poor performance.
Since their exit from the pinnacle of motorsport, Storey has frequently claimed that Rich Energy will be returning to Formula 1.
Last year, he even claimed that they had considered launching their own Formula 1 team in 2022, but instead opted to sponsor an existing team.
However, there is yet to be any indication that Rich Energy will be returning to the sport in any capacity this upcoming season.
On Saturday evening, Storey claimed that a number of F1 engineers that he has spoken to believe that Michael Masi robbed Hamilton of the 2021 F1 championship, and as such, want the Australian to be fired.
Additionally, he said that they believe Verstappen should be stripped of his championship and Hamilton should be declared the 2021 champion.
“Dinner with some F1 engineers this eve. All admit Lewis Hamilton was robbed & Masi should be fired & decision reversed,” Storey wrote.
He also once again teased the energy drink company’s return to Formula 1, posting: “Privately also looking forward to the Rich Energy return.”
Verstappen recently said that he is not worried by the FIA’s ongoing investigation into the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as they can’t take away his F1 crown.
Meanwhile, numerous drivers and team principals – including Daniel Ricciardo, Lando Norris and Sebastian Vettel – have expressed their support for Masi and said they don’t believe he should be fired.
The FIA will conclude its investigation into the season finale on 18 March, two days before the season-opening 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix.