Hamilton lost to Max Verstappen in a dramatic season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Mercedes driver dominated the race and was looking on course for a record-breaking eighth title until a late safety car, caused by Williams’ Nicholas Latifi, allowed Verstappen to switch to the softs and pass him on the final lap.
The handling of the final laps of race director Michael Masi came under heavy scrutiny after failing to comply with FIA sporting regulations during the safety car procedure.
As a result, the FIA have launched their own investigation, with Masi’s future this season unclear.
Speaking to French outlet RMC, Ogier said: “I think he will come back. It’s in a very competitive environment with the best team at the moment. It must have been a very difficult situation for him. He really felt robbed. And he was robbed, let’s not be shy about saying it.
Related articles
“Although I have a lot of respect for Max and he had a great season, Lewis dominated the race last weekend and was in front right to the end. Unfortunately, the famous safety car was just a few laps from the finish.
“Whether it was one or the other, they’re both great champions, but if you just look at this weekend it was stealing. And that’s very difficult for Hamilton to swallow.”
Related articles
Hamilton has been silent on social media since his title loss.
However, Mercedes will launch its W13 later this month, with Hamilton and George Russell expected to test the car at Silverstone on February 18.
