2016 world champion, Nico Rosberg has warned that the sport must tighten the rules if it is to avoid further controversies like those witnessed this season.

While the events of the final lap(s) at the Yas Marina circuit immediately spring to mind, one must not forget previous incidents at Interlagos and Jeddah.

In Brazil, as Lewis Hamilton attempted to go around the outside of Max Verstappen in Turn 4, the Red Bull driver went wide, thereby taking his title rival off-track with him. However, the stewards deemed no further action was required.

At Jeddah, at the first restart, Verstappen went around the outside of the Mercedes in Turn 1 and effectively cut the corner to take the lead. On this occasion the Dutchman - following much negotiation between the teams and race director, Michael Masi - was required to start from third on the grid for the second restart.

However, later in the race, on lap 37, as Hamilton sought to pass the Red Bull, Verstappen took him all the way into the corner and ran wide, rejoining the track still ahead of the Mercedes.

The Dutchman was told to hand the position back to the Briton but as he subsequently slowed the Mercedes ran into the back of the Red Bull.

Finally, in Abu Dhabi, both drivers ran wide at Turn 6 on the opening lap, taking to the run-off Hamilton rejoined the track with a noticeable advantage over his rival. Though the Briton 'slowed' in a bid to give back some of the advantage gained, it was widely regarded as negligible.

Again, the stewards deemed that no investigation was necessary.

2016 world champion, Nico Rosberg says that with the election of Mohammed Ben Sulayem as FIA president, the sport's governing body must get a grip.

"Big respect to Jean for his career of course, but now with a new person there's an opportunity really, because the sport needs to make progress," he tells Sky Sports.

"It starts with all the overtaking," he continues, "the wheel-to-wheel action, because let's not forget also in the (Abu Dhabi) race that in the beginning of the race Max passed Lewis and then kind of pushed him off a little bit and Lewis stayed flat-out, cutting the corner, and then came out in front again. Even that, all of us experts were like, ‘Lewis should probably let Max by here', and yet they didn't ask him to.

"The FIA needs to tighten all that up so that we don't have all these discussions," he warns." It would be better for the sport if it was much easier to understand.

"Also in wheel-to-wheel racing; who is now right and wrong, what needs to be done. A quick decision is made, and we go on. We need to get rid of all these discussions, that's important."

Of course, there were many such incidents over the course of the entire season, and while most involved the title protagonists, as the season developed others appeared to be getting in on the act as the stewards appeared to dither over what was allowed and what wasn't.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 30/12/2021 10:25

"@ Spindoctor...Your analysis of Moto is in line with my own. I would lik to see a 'long lap' penalty introduced as well. This to be served within two laps of notification otherwise a black flag. Would do wonders for the continuous conga line of miscreants!!!"

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2. Posted by Spindoctor, 30/12/2021 8:05

"Part of this problem is that F1 is now comparatively "low risk". Consequently drivers routinely attempt manoeuvres which are dangerous and\or force others off the track.
In Motogp this is less common for several reasons. Firstly their is the constant danger of serious injury from falling off a bike at up to 200mph. Second Dorner understands the Sport and has ensured that its rules are clear & enforcible: Track Limits are detected automatically 3 strikes & a rider is penalised. Finally, riders have mutual respect of one another & of the Rules.
"

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3. Posted by Motorsport-fan, 29/12/2021 9:54

"Not sure what rules they can come up with to stop them continually shooting themselves in the foot."

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4. Posted by kenji, 29/12/2021 0:35

"@Defiant...'keep it between the lines'. Yes, I think we all agree with that but it never happens. It is universally accepted that the white lines define the track otherwise why are they there.? Or are they simply 'guide' lines? The FIA need to define this once and for all. Bahrein '21 where Hamilton exceeded track limits 29 times without sanction is a perfect example. Any driver with more than two wheels off the track at any place on that track should be sanctioned. As for passing manoeuvres that is an entirely different matter and subject to individual criteria. I must say though that I'm not expecting any solution in the short term. "

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5. Posted by Defiant, 28/12/2021 17:44

"A rare moment where I agree with Nico. I'm usually in favour of less rules and more freedom, but this year certainly highlighted an issue. Max should have been penalised in Brazil and Jeddah, and Lewis should've been penalised in Abu Dhabi, so get the additions written up and have someone actually enforce them.
I want to see them race within mm's of each other but keep it between the lines."

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6. Posted by Greg, 28/12/2021 14:53

"Great news about Alex "

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7. Posted by kenji, 28/12/2021 10:56

"I don't quite see how these anomalies are going to besuitably ironed out as they are all too complex and occur at lightning speed within the context of real time. To be able to go back and analyse within a suitable time frame is nigh on impossible especially given the overall relativity...other cars and subsequent responses. I have confidence in those trying to sort it all out but I fear nothing will happen that will keep all parties happy especially when you have a team prncipal declaring that 'HE' will hold the FIA accountable!!! The sheer chutzpah, I mean who is running this show. The FIA need to shut this element down as already it is appearing to try and influence the outcome. "

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8. Posted by Wokingchap, 28/12/2021 10:48

"Alex Zanardi is now back at home. Great news .... although nothing to do with Rosberg's opinion with which I agree."

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FIA must tighten rules to avoid further controversies, warns Rosberg

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