Formula 1

Hamilton wants FIA action before committing to 2022 F1 season - report

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Sir Lewis Hamilton wants clear action from the FIA on the events of Abu Dhabi before committing to the 2022 Formula 1 season.

That is the latest update from Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater as the wait for clarity regarding the future of the seven-time world champion goes on.

Hamilton has been silent on social media since losing the F1 title to Max Verstappen in controversial circumstances at Yas Marina, though was spotted in Los Angeles on his birthday earlier this month.

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Shortly after Christmas, brother Nicolas said via Twitch that Lewis was "fine" and that he was simply taking a break from social media, adding it can be a "very toxic place".

But as new 2022 teammate George Russell started work at Brackley on Monday, according to a source within Mercedes, there remains no guarantee Hamilton will return.

"With 69 days to go until the first Grand Prix in Bahrain, it is still unclear whether Lewis Hamilton will be on the grid," Slater said.

"In terms of Hamilton coming back to Formula 1, having the appetite to do so and getting over the 'disillusionment' that his team boss Toto Wolff said he felt after Abu Dhabi, the onus is on the FIA to deliver on the pledge they made before Christmas to investigate the happenings on that final lap and to come up with some findings.

"It is understood that Mercedes want to see something tangible, but it's been put to me like this: the longer this drags on, the worse the Lewis Hamilton situation is, and that is from a senior source."

New FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has stated that dealing with the fallout from Abu Dhabi was his first priority, but also recently revealed he has tried to contact Hamilton without a response.

Even so, the Emirati, who succeeded Jean Todt, remains confident the Briton will be on the grid this season.

"No, I don't think he will [quit]," he told reporters ahead of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.

"I'll ask your question, did Lewis declare that he's not going to race? No. Exactly. Being a driver, you declare yourself, you don't let the rumours [talk].

"I'm confident that Lewis [will return]. Lewis is a big part of motorsport, and of course of Formula 1, the new era [can add to] Lewis's wins and achievements, and also Verstappen is there.

"I am very confident that you will see a very challenging Formula 1 season next year."

That view was also shared by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I’m sure he will recharge his batteries and come back with even more desire than before to win an eighth world title."

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