Lewis Hamilton's future in Formula One has been under much scrutiny following a controversial final race in Abu Dhabi which ultimately lost the Brit the driver's championship.
He is contracted to remain with Mercedes until the end of 2023.
Sporting News has all the latest updates regarding the racing star's status for the 2022 season.
15/02/22 - Ready to race
A simple tweet from Mercedes has all but confirmed Lewis Hamilton's participation in the 2022 F1 season.
The Brit will now be aiming to win a record eighth world championship.
4️⃣4️⃣ is back. 💜🔥 pic.twitter.com/Y53tSNvTFt
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 14, 2022
06/02/22 - Hamilton makes return to social media
Lewis Hamilton has returned to social media following his absence after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
There is still no confirmation whether or not he will be racing for Mercedes in 2022, but the Brit is very likely to suit up for the Silver Arrows ahead of the season starting in March.
24/01/22 - Still no updates as silence persists
Lewis Hamilton is still yet to comment on his future, as the 2022 season edges closer.
The new season will begin in Bahrain on March 20, with pre-season testing to take place in the weeks leading up.
Could the seven-time world champion take a sabbatical as many successful drivers have done in the past?
It is all speculation at the moment.
19/01/22 - McLaren boss ‘wouldn’t be shocked’ if Hamilton quits
McLaren chief executive Zak Brown has explained that Lewis Hamilton's future is far from guaranteed.
As quoted by the Guardian, the rival F1 boss believes Hamilton will deeply consider the situation before making a decision.
“I wouldn’t be shocked if he stopped, so no one should take for granted that he is coming back,” Brown said.
“We should not discount or not recognise his frustration, his anger.
"Maybe he has not made a decision and what he is doing is taking time to make that decision to make sure.
"Because once it’s made, it’s made, I don’t think we should rule it out or make light of it.”
10/01/22 - Continued silence puts 2022 participation in doubt
Despite being contracted to drive with Mercedes for the upcoming F1 season, Hamilton's silence has made many people question his involvement in 2022.
He is likely laying low after an emotionally exhausting 2021.
However, Sky Sports have stated that there is an ongoing investigation regarding the events of December's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with a delay in the findings potentially influencing Hamilton's decision to race or not race this year.
26/12/21 - Ecclestone predicts Hamilton retirement
Former Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone believes Lewis Hamilton will retire from the competition following the disappointment of losing the world title to Max Verstappen.
Speaking to Switzerland-based outlet Blick, the motorsport icon is predicting that Hamilton will call it quits ahead of next season.
“I don't think he is coming back, I think he will not race next year,” Ecclestone said.
“His disappointment in Abu Dhabi was too big and I understand him.
"Now, tied for seven titles with Michael Schumacher, it is the perfect time for him to fulfill his dream and be a fashion entrepreneur.”
18/12/21 Hamilton does not attend FIA awards night
The seven-time F1 world champion failed to show up to the motorsport governing body's end-of-year gala in Paris.
He snubbed the awards night alongside Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, most likely due to frustration from the last race in Abu Dhabi.
13/12/21 - Hamilton loses World Championship in controversial final race
Lewis Hamilton was in a strong position to win the final race of the 2021 F1 season - and ultimately claim the driver's championship - before a controversial safety car helped rival Max Verstappen to victory.
The outcome and interpretation of the rules were undoubtedly frustrating for Hamilton, with fans instantly questioning whether he will return to the competition the following year.
Speaking after the race to Sky Sport's Jenson Button, he made a mysterious remark regarding his future.
“We gave it everything and never gave up and that’s the most important thing," Hamilton said.
"We’ll see about next year."
