Lewis Hamilton quitting in the wake of the Abu Dhabi controversy would be an “indictment” of Formula 1, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff claims.
The seven-time world champion has been silent publicly since last year’s season finale, and is believed to be waiting for the outcomes from an FIA inquiry into the crucial decisions made by race director Michael Masi during the late Safety Car before committing to racing in 2022.
Though a final report from the governing body is not due until March 18, the day before Practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix, the conclusions, and potential ramifications for Masi’s job, are expected to be issued to Mercedes and Hamilton next month.
And should they not be enough to satisfy Lewis and therefore lead to him leaving F1, Wolff believes the damage would be substantial.
“I really hope we will see him again. He is the most important part of our sport,” he said speaking to Austrian publication Krone.
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“It would be an indictment for the whole of Formula 1 if the best driver decided to quit because of outrageous decisions.”
However, the real likelihood of Hamilton quitting has been downplayed by Sky Sports pundits Martin Brundle and Damon Hill.
“Absolutely not, I don’t buy any of it to be honest,” Brundle said on if he could imagine Lewis not racing in 2022.
“I’m sure Toto has been asked by Lewis, ‘what are you doing about this?’ But Formula 1 is fantastically successful for the Mercedes-Benz brand, while Lewis is 37 years old and we know he’s driving at his peak, incredibly determined and competitive.
“He’ll be back.”
1996 F1 champion Hill concurred, adding: “He’s getting to the end of his career, it may be many years or not, but he’s got a lot in the bank.
“He might just think ‘I’ve done all I can do’, but I’m sure that an eighth title is just too tempting, I’m sure he’ll want to come back, have it and lay all of this to rest.”
One man who does know what it’s like to leave F1 while on top is four-time champion Alain Prost, who famously took a sabbatical in 1992 before returning for one final season the following year.
And the Frenchman admits Hamilton’s decision could go either way.
“It’s hard to put yourself in his shoes,” he told Le Journal du Dimanche.
“He surely has as many reasons to stop as to continue. It’s 50-50. He’s taken a big blow to the head, but it would be really sad if he wasn’t here next season.”