FIA provide update on Hamilton-Verstappen controversy inquiry

The FIA has formally announced the beginning of a "detailed analysis" into the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year and indicated any changes would be announced only at the first race of the 2022 season.

The inquiry into the procedures that took place at Yas Marina on December 12 that left Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton "disillusioned" with F1 will centre around the way the late safety car period was handled.

FIA race director Michael Masi has come under fire for his part in the farce, with some insiders suggesting his position has become untenable after he effectively overruled the sporting code.

Formally recognising the inquiry had begun, an FIA statement read: "Following the decision of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris on 15 December 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.

"The FIA president launched a consultation with all F1 teams on various issues, including this one.

"On January 19, an item on the agenda of the Sporting Advisory Committee will be dedicated to the use of the safety car.

"The following stage will be a shared discussion with all F1 drivers.

"The outcome of the detailed analysis will be presented to the F1 Commission in February and final decisions will be announced at the World Motor Sport Council in Bahrain on March 18.

"FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has asked secretary general sport and recently appointed single-seater director Peter Bayer for proposals to review and optimise the organisation of the FIA F1 structure for the 2022 season."

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