In the wake of the controversy surrounding Hamilton, the FIA has launched an investigation, and Mercedes is set to unveil their new car.
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Former Formula One driver David Coulthard believes seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is ‘bored’ of hearing about his feelings about Max Verstappen’s disputed 2021 title victory. Verstappen, a Red Bull driver, won his first world title in dramatic and contentious circumstances at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after he and title rival Hamilton were tied on points heading into the season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit.
On the final lap of the season, the Dutchman passed the seven-time world champion, who had dominated for much of the race, as a late Safety Car and tyre change swung momentum in his favour. Mercedes’ rage was directed primarily at FIA race director Michael Masi, who initially refused to allow cars to unlap themselves, as is customary, only to change his mind to allow Hamilton and Verstappen to compete in the final lap.
After the FIA promised to investigate the events surrounding the Safety Car procedures, the Silver Arrows withdrew their appeal against the result. After the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton and his Mercedes teammates gave no further media interviews, and the seven-time world champion has yet to post on social media.
Hamilton has yet to commit to the 2022 season, pending the outcome of the FIA probe. Toto Wolff, the CEO of Mercedes, believes he is ‘disillusioned’ with the sport, while McLaren CEO Zak Brown said he would not be surprised if the British driver decided to retire. Coulthard believes the seven-time world champion is unconcerned about the events that have unfolded.
“I think he will be bored with everyone saying to him, ‘You were robbed, Lewis!’ or ‘You’re the people’s champion, Lewis!’,” Coulthard said as per The Telegraph. “He’ll be avoiding even having those conversations. I can’t compare myself to Lewis in terms of success or speed but one thing I think I can relate to is that emotional detachment, once the moment’s gone. The euphoria of success wears off quite quickly, and the disappointment of defeat wears off quite quickly as well.”
In the wake of the controversy surrounding Hamilton, the FIA has launched an investigation, and Mercedes is set to unveil their new car for the 2022 season on February 18th. Hamilton, on the other hand, is likely to choose to finish out the remainder of his two-year contract, which is worth around 70 million euros.
