Lewis Hamilton has been criticized by Ralf Schumacher for his absence from the F1 end-of-season gala after heartbreakingly missing out on the title
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Mercedes boss hopes ‘deprived’ Lewis Hamilton will keep racing
Lewis Hamilton was criticized by Ralf Schumacher for not attending the F1 season-ending gala last month.
The German, the younger brother of F1 legend Michael, believes the seven-time world champion should have been there to congratulate Max Verstappen on his title win.
Hamilton, who is said to be “disillusioned” after the controversial end of the F1 season, has snubbed the glittering gala after being left seething by what was unfolding in Abu Dhabi, led by the FIA.
“It’s not at all fair to Max Verstappen to skip the gala,” he told Sky Sports Germany.
Since Hamilton gave the Dutchman a warm hug after his first title win and took part in an interview in Abu Dhabi immediately after the 2021 season, he has made no further comments.
He has been silent on social media and no longer follows anyone on Instagram.
Ralf Schumacher criticized Lewis Hamilton for not attending the F1 Gala
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Image:
PA)
This has led to speculation that the 37-year-old could retire from the sport, leading Schumacher to suggest Sebastien Vettel would be the ideal candidate to replace the Brit should he hang up his helmet.
“He’s got the experience, he’s still got the speed, and most importantly, he knows the Mercedes car – or the engine. I think the Aston Martin concept is very close,” he surmised.
An FIA investigation is currently underway to see if any mistakes were made at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – after Michael Masi faced immense scrutiny following his safety car decision.
Lewis Hamilton remained in limbo as the FIA set the decision date for Toto Wolff’s meeting with the new F1 boss in Abu Dhabi, which was kept secret, with Lewis Hamilton in limbo
However, all results will not be announced until March 18, two days before the start of the 2022 season.
“The FIA administration, under the leadership of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has begun the detailed analysis of the events of the last Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix,” the motorsport governing body said in a statement.
“On January 19th, one item on the agenda of the sports advisory board will be dedicated to the use of the safety car.
Hamilton and Max Verstappen embrace after the F1 final at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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Image:
Formula 1 via Getty Images)
“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 18.”
Mercedes and team boss Toto Wolff are hoping that Masi will be replaced as F1 race director following his role in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix result.
It was the FIA-elected official’s decision to clear lapped cars out of the way after the safety car was called onto the track, and as a result it removed Hamilton’s 11-second lead, prompting Verstappen to call his acrimonious Leading rivals to a first World Championship with much fresher tyres.
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