Posted by Lewis Hamilton will wait to learn the outcome of an investigation into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix before deciding whether or not to return to Formula One this season.
As a result of last year’s title-deciding race, Hamilton has become “disillusioned” with Formula One, according to Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff.
After FIA race director Michael Masi failed to apply the rules appropriately during a late safety-car stint, Hamilton lost the championship to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. As a result, according to insiders, Hamilton has lost faith in the governing body.
When contacted by BBC Sport, Mercedes declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding Hamilton’s future. The team and Hamilton are said to be aligned on the issue and waiting to see what action the FIA takes to address the matters raised by the Abu Dhabi race.
The FIA has launched an inquiry into the events at Yas Marina and is aware both of Hamilton’s unhappiness and that it has a big task on its hands to win back the seven-time champion’s confidence.