Hamilton 'not ready' to respond to FIA messages

New FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has revealed he 'sent messages' to Lewis Hamilton but is yet to receive a response from the seven-time champion.

Hamilton missed out on a record-breaking eighth F1 world title in controversial style at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Since the conclusion of the December race, Hamilton has spoken publicly only to Jenson Button in his immediate post-race interview, failing to attend both the top three press conference that evening as well as the ensuing FIA Prize Giving Gala.

Speaking to Spanish media, Ben Sulayem said: "I sent him messages, yes. I think he is not 100 per cent ready to respond yet and I understand his position."

Although not in office at the time of the Yas Marina race, Ben Sulayem confirmed investigating the events that decided the championship would be the "first thing" on his agenda.

Referencing Hamilton's non-attendance of the FIA gala, Ben Sulayem added: "There are also rules that must be accepted by all drivers.

"But I cannot judge until I have all the data and the first thing on my agenda is to thoroughly analyse what happened in Abu Dhabi.

"In the end, we are all human and the stress and pressure were there, so I think it will all work out. You have to look more to the future than to the past."

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