Jenson Button has delivered his verdict on whether Lewis Hamilton will continue with his incredible journey within F1.
The 37-year-old is distraught due to the manner in which he was denied a record eighth F1 world title.
The Mercedes driver has been radio silent since the 2009 title winner interviewed him in the immediate aftermath of the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last month - which Max Verstappen won following a dramatic late safety car ruling.
As a result, speculation regarding a possible retirement has been rampant, with many names in and around F1 sharing their thoughts on what Hamilton's next move may be.
And during an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, inevitably Button was asked about his former McLaren teammate and whether he will line up at the start of the upcoming season.
"I haven't got a clue," Button said initially, before suggesting that the sporting great will don the Mercedes colours in 2022.
"I do know that I was the only person to interview Lewis after the last race. The whole world heard me interview so I don't have the inside scoop.
"I do think he will be racing, he wants to win that eighth title and be the most decorated F1 driver in F1 history and he will do that.
He added: "It was a controversial end to the season but F1 is in an amazing place.
"Two fantastic drivers going at it every weekend and I think everyone is excited about the new season.
"There are new regulations and it is all about the development of these cars throughout the year."
Hamilton was cruising to an unprecedented eighth world title, having led Red Bull title rival Verstappen by 11 seconds going into the remaining laps.
But a late Nicholas Latifi crash dramatically changed the landscape of the race and the title battle.
The safety car was brought onto the track and Verstappen opted for a change in tyres.
FIA race director Michael Masi initially instructed that lapped cars could not overtake the safety vehicle until it left the track, meaning there would not have been time for Verstappen to get behind his rival.
However, Masi later controversially changed his mind, allowing the cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap themselves before ordering the safety car off the track.
Therefore, the Dutchman could get on the British driver's tail before overtaking him in a one-lap shootout, benefiting from driving on far newer tyres.
There were still more cars that should have been able to unlap themselves, according to the rules.
A review regarding the events that transpired at the Yas Marina Circuit last month is now ongoing and there is a possibility Masi may lose his job after the role he played in the 2021 season finale.
Hamilton is said to now be waiting until the review is finished before deciding whether or not to continue racing.
But even fierce rival and Red Bull chief Christian Horner wants Hamilton to stay in the sport, despite him posing the biggest threat to Verstappen's crown.
"I certainly hope Lewis will be around this year," Horner said.
"He’s still driving at an incredible level, the two drivers last year were in a league of their own.
"But ultimately, it’s his choice, it’s his career, it’s his decision, so I’m sure he will decide what’s best for him, what he wants to do, and that’s none of our business."
