The FIA has confirmed a 'detailed analysis' into the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is underway - but an outcome will only be shared on March 18th.
Max Verstappen's title-clinching win has been overshadowed by final-lap controversy from the race, where the cars separating the Red Bull ace from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton behind the safety car were released - which is not usual protocol.
Mercedes were furious with the outcome but dropped an appeal to the stewards decision, though frustrations remain - and Hamilton's own future remains shrouded in doubt.
It has been expected that Hamilton would make a final decision on whether to return to the 2022 season after the results of the investigation were shared - but the FIA's timeline has made this impossible.
It was initially expected that the review would be shared in February. However, the FIA has confirmed that the findings will be announced at the World Motor Sport Council in Bahrain on 18 March.
Crucially, that date also marks the start of the Formula 1 calendar as it's also the weekend of the Bahrain Grand Prix, with the race taking place on the 20th.
That means that Hamilton will now not be able to wait until after the review to make his final decision, as preparations for the season will be well underway.
Amidst it all, there continues to be rumblings regarding the future of race director Michael Masi and his colleague Nikolas Tombazis - both of whom have been left off this month's FIA General Organisation Chart.
Speculation continues to suggest that both will be relieved from their duties for the part they played in the controversy in Abu Dhabi.
It had been claimed that Mercedes dropped their appeal on the basis that Masi was removed from his position but that has been denied by the team.