The FIA confirmed in the days after Max Verstappen ‘s last lap victory over Lewis Hamilton that it would launch a full investigation into the events leading to the resumption of the race, which was the subject of protests by Mercedes .
Mercedes opted to end its pursuit of action after the FIA announced its plans to look into Abu Dhabi, but said it would “actively work with this commission to build a better Formula 1, for every team and every fan who loves it.” this sport as much as we do.
The FIA had not issued any update or communication on the matter since then, but in a statement issued on Thursday it confirmed that the investigation was now fully under way, and outlined what the next steps would be.
Newly appointed FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem will consult with both F1 teams and drivers as part of his analysis of the Abu Dhabi events, including a focus on the use of the safety car, which will be discussed at next week’s Sports Advisory Committee.
Talks with the teams will cover “several issues, including this one” before a “shared discussion with all F1 drivers” in the next phase of the investigation.
The subsequent outcome of the analysis following these talks will be presented to the F1 Commission in February, before final decisions are announced at the World Motor Sport Council meeting in March, just two days before the start of the new season.
FIA Sporting Secretary General Peter Bayer has been commissioned by Ben Sulayem to submit proposals to review and “optimize the organization of the FIA F1 structure for the 2022 season”.
The news comes at a time when Hamilton is understood to be considering his future due to the manner in which the title slipped away from him in Abu Dhabi. He said on the radio after the race that he had been “manipulated”, and has not spoken publicly since his brief post-race interview in Parc Fermé.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said last month that both he and Hamilton were “disappointed”, and that he hoped this would not lead to the seven-time world champion leaving the series.
The full statement from the FIA
“Following the decision of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris on December 15, 2021, the FIA administration, under the leadership of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has started the detailed analysis of the events of the last Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 1”.
“The FIA president has launched a consultation with all F1 teams on various issues, including this one.”
“On January 19, an item on the agenda of the Sports Advisory Committee will be dedicated to the use of the safety car.”
“The next stage will be a shared discussion with all F1 drivers.”
“The result of the detailed analysis will be presented to the F1 Commission in February and the final decisions will be announced at the World Motor Sport Council in Bahrain on March 18.”
“FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has asked the Secretary General for Sport and the recently appointed Director of Single Seaters, Peter Bayer, for proposals to review and optimize the organization of the FIA F1 structure for the 2022 season.”
