Lewis Hamilton is in daily dialogue with Mercedes chief Toto Wolff amid the possibility of retiring from Formula One following the controversial climax of the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Hamilton looked set to win a record eighth title but was beaten by Max Verstappen, who overtook him on the final lap.
Verstappen looked as though he would have to settle for second place in the final Grand Prix of the season as Hamilton dominated in the desert from the off.
But Williams’ Nicholas Latifi crashed into a wall late on, which resulted in a safety car being deployed.
Verstappen took the opportunity to pit for fresh tyres, with Hamilton opting to stay out on the track so he didn’t lose his position.
Race director Michael Masi Race director initially told drivers that lapped cars could not unlap themselves.
But Masi quickly changed his mind and reversed the decision to allow the five cars in between Hamilton and Verstappen to pass.
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“I’m in a daily dialogue with him but I also respect there is not a lot to talk about at the moment,” Wolff admitted when quizzed on Hamilton’s future.
“Each of us copes in our own way with the feelings that we have at the moment.
“I just need to do the utmost I can to help him overcome these imminent feelings he has in order for him to return strong, with a love of the sport and trust in the decision-making of the sport next year.
“And we wish very much this will be the case.”
Three days after his Abu Dhabi disappointment, Hamilton was knighted in recognition of his illustrious career in F1.
But Wolff has hinted the 36-year-old could be considering quitting F1 in light of Sunday’s result.
“I would very much hope Lewis continues racing because he is the greatest driver of all time,” Wolff said.
“As a racer his heart will say ‘I need to continue’ because he’s at the peak of his game.
“But we have to overcome the pain that was caused upon him on Sunday. He is a man with clear values.”