Formula One’s sporting federation revealed on Thursday – nearly five weeks after Max Verstappen was controversially crowned champion – that their decision will not be announced until 18 March. Hamilton, who turned 37 last week, remains disillusioned with F1 following the FIA race director Michael Masi’s handling of a safety car restart in the concluding moments of the race at the Yas Marina circuit. It is unclear whether Australian Masi will retain his position as race director. Formula One pundit Martin Brundle, who took part in 158 races as a driver, told Sky Sports: “Michael [Masi] clearly has one life left and I don’t know whether that is tenable all-round.

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