Lewis Hamilton: Will he? did that win The Mercedes driver’s future in Formula 1 is a hot topic of conversation as the 2022 season draws closer, with the first car starts now less than a month away. An FIA investigation into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be key in the seven-time world champion’s decision on whether or not to retire, but the resulting decisions will not be announced until March, just two days before the Bahrain Grand Prix , which means situation remains rather murky. Express Sport rounds up some of the biggest stories from the past few weeks as uncertainty lingers over what decision Hamilton will make.
FIA statement
F1’s governing body confirmed they had started a “detailed analysis” of last season’s controversial final in mid-January, but said the results would not be released for some time.
The FIA wrote: “The FIA President has launched a consultation with all F1 teams on a variety of issues including this one. On January 19th, an item on the agenda of the Sporting Advisory Committee will be dedicated to the deployment of the safety car. The next phase will be a joint discussion with all F1 drivers.
“The result of the detailed analysis will be presented to the F1 Commission in February and the final decisions will be announced at the World Motor Sport Council in Bahrain on March 18th.
“FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has asked the Secretary General for Sport and recently appointed Monoposto Director Peter Bayer for proposals to review and optimize the organization of the FIA Formula 1 structure for the 2022 season.”
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Mercedes ‘agrees to Masi Sack deal’ while Wolff fumes
The FIA’s statement followed reports that Hamilton’s future will depend on the outcome of the investigation. The BBC went so far as to claim Mercedes had a quid pro quo deal with the FIA for the sacking of race directors Michael Masi and Nikolas Tombazis ahead of the 2022 season.
Mercedes has denied such proposals with the silver arrows, saying they simply want “appropriate action” to be taken.
More recently, the Daily Mail claimed that an hour-long meeting took place between the new FIA President Muhammed Ben Sulayem and F1 boss Stefano Domenicali.
The same report suggests some senior FIA officials believe Masi could retain his role as part of a restructuring process that would see the race director offered a larger support network.
And Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team boss, said: “It would be a shame for the whole of Formula 1 if the best driver gave up because of outrageous decisions.”
Hamilton’s silence continues
Amid rumors about whether or not he will retire, Hamilton has yet to post on social media since Abu Dhabi.
The 37-year-old, who has unfollowed everyone on his Instagram account, hasn’t posted since celebrating his P2 in qualifying at Yas Marina on December 11.
Hamilton’s “anger” has been detailed by the McLaren boss
McLaren boss Zak Brown admits he wouldn’t be surprised if Hamilton pulls out of F1 ahead of the new season following Max Verstappen’s controversial triumph.
“I wouldn’t be shocked if he stopped, so no one should assume he’s coming back,” Brown said.
“We shouldn’t ignore or not acknowledge his frustration, his anger. Maybe he hasn’t made a decision, and he’s taking the time to make that decision to be sure.
“Because once it’s done, it’s done, I don’t think we should rule it out or take it lightly.
“She [the FIA] need to show that they have taken steps to ensure something like this doesn’t happen again, but I don’t think that was a malicious decision.
“For those who think the sport is corrupt, I don’t agree. A different decision could possibly have been made, but I’d like to see what the FIA comes out with.”
Hamilton “will be back”
Sky Sports F1 duo Martin Brundle and Damon Hill have both helped Hamilton get back to racing in the new season.
Speaking on Abu Dhabi: One Month On, Brundle said: “Absolutely not [Hamilton will not quit], I don’t buy any of these to be honest. I’m sure Toto was asked by Lewis, “What are you doing about it?”
“But Formula 1 has been fantastically successful for the Mercedes-Benz brand, while Lewis is 37 and we know he is driving at his peak, incredibly determined and competitive. He will be back.”
Hill added, “I wanted to win a championship. Lewis has already won seven, it’s a bit different. He might think I’ve done all I can do.
“But I’m sure the eighth title is just too tempting, I’m sure he’ll come back and have it and want to let all that be.”
