Lewis Hamilton has been criticised by Ralf Schumacher for failing to attend last month's F1 end-of-season gala.
The German, the younger brother of F1 legend Michael, believes the seven-time world champion should have been there to congratulate Max Verstappen on his title win.
Hamilton, who is said to be 'disillusioned' following the controversial ending to the F1 season, snubbed the glitzy gala after being left seething by what unfolded under the leadership of the FIA in Abu Dhabi.
"It's not at all fair to Max Verstappen to skip the gala," he told Sky Sports Germany .
Since warmly embracing the Dutchman following his maiden title win hand and taking part in an interview in the immediate aftermath of the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton has not made any further comments.
He has been silent on social media and is no longer following anyone on Instagram.
This has led to speculation that 37-year-old may retire from the sport, which prompted Schumacher to suggest Sebastien Vettel would be the ideal candidate to replace the Brit should he hang up his helmet.
"He has the experience, he still has the speed, and above all he knows the Mercedes car - or the engine. I think the Aston Martin concept is very close," he surmised.
An FIA enquiry is currently underway to determine if any mistakes were made at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - after Michael Masi came under immense scrutiny following his safety car decision.
However, any findings will not be revealed until March 18, two days before the 2022 season is due to begin.
"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 ," motorsport's governing body said in a statement.
"On January 19, an item on the agenda of the Sporting Advisory Committee will be dedicated to the use of the Safety Car.
"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 18 March."
Mercedes and team principal Toto Wolff are hopeful that Masi will be replaced as F1's racing director following his role in the outcome of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
It was the FIA-elected official's decision to move lapped cars out of the way after the safety car was called onto the track and as a result, it removed Hamilton's 11-second advantage, leading Verstappen to pip his bitter rival to a maiden world championship with much fresher tyres.
