Michael Masi was removed from his post by the FIA after his controversial call which afforded Verstappen the chance to beat Hamilton.

Masi will be replaced by Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich, and a series of new structures, including a stand-alone race control unit.

Despite the fact that there were only 17 grand prix that year, the cumulative TV audience for 2021 was 1.55 billion, up 4% from 2020.

It had been hoped and expected that the race's chapter would be closed at a meeting of the F1 Commission on Monday.

The 2021 season ended in questionable circumstances on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 22 races after it began.

In the wake of the controversy surrounding Hamilton, the FIA has launched an investigation, and Mercedes is set to unveil their new car.

Masi has been criticized for his handling of the Safety Car restart at the end of the race, a decision that proved crucial in determining the champion.

In an interview with Austria's Kronen Zeitung newspaper, Wolff feels that the events of last month will leave an indelible mark on the sport.

The formal investigation phase of the investigation began on Monday, with the inquiry team aiming to question everyone involved.

Hamilton has shunned social media and pretty much all interaction with the outside world, especially that involving Formula One.