Mercedes will reportedly have both drivers with them for the upcoming 2022 season at the launch of the new car later this month. The Silver Arrows appear to be faced with the possibility of a short-term loss to Lewis Hamilton in the coming weeks, with the 37-year-old reportedly mooting whether to quit the sport after last year’s controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prize.
The Brit was denied a record-breaking eighth Drivers’ Championship win on the final lap at the Yas Marina Circuit after Max Verstappen was bizarrely allowed to approach him during a late safety car period.
The Red Bull man had a clear run at Hamilton when race director Michael Masi called on only the five lapped cars between the two leaders to lap themselves before the green flags were waved.
Verstappen went on to push past his Mercedes rival in a lap during the ensuing shootout to take the honor in dramatic circumstances.
Hamilton’s faith in the FIA is said to have been damaged by what happened in Abu Dhabi and he is now said to be considering the idea of a shock exit ahead of the new season.
It has also been suggested he could take a year-long sabbatical to assess the governing body remotely before returning to the grid in 2023.
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It seems Hamilton may be ready to make his decision in the not too distant future as Mercedes expect both drivers to be present at their launch event on February 18, according to Sky Sports.
However, the German team have decided to decline to confirm whether Hamilton or any other driver will start alongside George Russell from now on.
The seven-time champion is widely expected to break his silence on events in Abu Dhabi when he attends the Mercedes launch at Silverstone in just over two weeks.
He has not spoken out since giving his post-race interview immediately after the proceedings and has not posted to any of his social media channels for almost two months.
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Hamilton, who is under contract until the end of 2023, is said to be keen to hear the results of the FIA’s investigation into the conduct of the race before devoting his future to the sport.
The results are due to be discussed at the F1 Commission meeting in London on February 14 before being approved in Bahrain in March.
Meanwhile, former Red Bull driver David Coulthard recently insisted Hamilton would eventually overcome their crushing defeat in Abu Dhabi and renew their hunger in time for the new season.
“The big decision was when he signed this new two-year deal midway through last season. I don’t think Abu Dhabi will change anything,” Coulthard told The Telegraph.
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“Of course he would have liked to win. And I think he was very emotional as anyone would be under the circumstances.
“But I think the reality is the shock for him was probably a lot less than for Toto [Wolff], or the rest of the team, or its fans.
“I can’t compare myself to Lewis in terms of success or speed, but one thing I can relate to is that emotional detachment once the moment is over.
“The euphoria about success wears off pretty quickly, and the disappointment about defeat wears off pretty quickly too.”
