Hamilton and Wolff will not attend FIA prize-giving gala

The decision to not attend comes after Mercedes’ decision to withdraw its appeal of the race result at the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

Mercedes was unhappy with how the race at the Yas Marina Circuit concluded after Hamilton was overtaken by Max Verstappen on the final lap, ultimately losing out on a record-breaking eighth title.

As per the FIA’s regulations, the top three finishers in the drivers’ championship are required to attend.

Wolff was invited to Paris to pick up the constructors’ title on behalf of Mercedes, but instead, technical chief James Allison will do so.

“No, both of us won’t be there,” Wolff said. “And I won’t be there because of my loyalty to Lewis and because of my own personal integrity. But we will be represented as a team by James Allison, who will be taking the trophy on behalf of all the people in Brackley and Brixworth who should celebrate our eighth consecutive world championship title.

“Who deserve to be celebrated, because it's a fantastic achievement that we are very proud of. And in a way I’m trying to compartmentalise the anger on the outcome of the Formula 1 drivers’ world championship and on the other side the pride and the joy of having achieved something unprecedented. That needs to be celebrated.”

Neither Mercedes’ F1 team nor the Formula E team showed up in Paris on Tuesday for the FIA’s photoshoot - with both of its cars missing even though it won the constructors’ title in both categories.

Hamilton will also be absent, having attended every event since 2014. 

He formally received his knighthood at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.