Hamilton’s disappointment over lost F1 title ‘very deep’ - Wolff

Hamilton missed out on a record-breaking eighth world title in hugely controversial circumstances after FIA race director Michael Masi did not apply the rules correctly in a late Safety Car period. 

The timing of the restart left Hamilton exposed to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who pitted under the Safety Car for fresh tyres and went on to pass his rival on the last lap to clinch both the race victory and his maiden world championship. 

F1’s governing body the FIA has subsequently launched an investigation into the events of the Abu Dhabi season finale and will announce its final decisions on the eve of the 2022 season. Reports claim the outcome of the FIA’s inquiry will be key to whether Hamilton decides to return to race this season. 

Hamilton has not spoken publicly on the matter or posted to any of his social media accounts since the December 12 race. 

Speaking in an interview with German publication Auto Motor und Sport, Wolff said Hamilton remains “disillusioned” by what happened at Yas Marina. 

"It's very deep,” Wolff replied when asked how deep the disappointment of the title-decider runs. “Lewis, I and the whole team are disillusioned.

"We love this sport because it's honest. The stopwatch never lies. But if we break the fundamental principle of fairness and the stopwatch is no longer relevant, then you doubt this sport in that all your work, blood, sweat and tears can be taken away from you.

"It's going to take a long time to digest. I don't think we'll ever get over that, especially Lewis as a driver. At least we can try together with the FIA to do better in the future.”

Wolff insisted Mercedes would hold the FIA to account when he spoke to media a few days after the contentious finale, and he reiterated that he expects to see “actions and not just words” when the findings are published. 

"I expect actions and not just words,” he added. “In a sport that's supposed to be a sport, we can't freestyle like that with the set of rules.

"Before the start of the new season, there must be clarity about the rules so that every driver, team and fan knows what is allowed and what is not.

"In the end, we provide entertainment, but no decision should break the rules for the sake of the show.”

And Wolff stressed that if Hamilton does choose to return, the seven-time world champion will not change his approach. 

"The capacity of Lewis is often wrongly questioned,” he said. 

"Even after the events in Abu Dhabi, he immediately congratulated Max. Lewis only wants one thing - fair competition on the track. We will deliver that.