Everything else regarding the 37 year-old’s current mental state has come from others. We have heard Wolff saying how “angry” and “disillusioned” Hamilton was; how he would “never get over” the hurt he felt at having a record eighth world title ripped away from him. We have heard Bernie Ecclestone predicting that Hamilton would quit the sport as his disappointment of Abu Dhabi was “too great”. As recently as last week, McLaren CEO Zak Brown admitted he “wouldn’t be shocked if Lewis stopped”.

Former driver David Coulthard reckons Hamilton is probably far less bothered by what happened than we all imagine him to be. “I think he will be bored with everyone saying to him, ‘You were robbed, Lewis!’ or ‘You’re the people’s champion, Lewis!’” Coulthard said. “He’ll be avoiding even having those conversations.”

Still, Coulthard believes Hamilton will return. “The big decision was when he committed to that new two-year [Mercedes] contract midway through last season,” he added. “I don’t think Abu Dhabi changes anything. Of course he would have liked to have won. And I think he was very emotional, as anyone would be under the circumstances. But I think the reality is the shock was probably far less for him than it would have been for Toto, or the rest of the team, or his fans.

“I can’t compare myself to Lewis in terms of success or speed but one thing I think I can relate to is that emotional detachment, once the moment’s gone. The euphoria of success wears off quite quickly, and the disappointment of defeat wears off quite quickly as well.”

Coulthard’s mention of the two-year deal signed by Hamilton last summer, which supposedly takes him through to the end of 2023, is interesting because another source close to Mercedes, who did not wish to be named, is adamant the team expected Hamilton to walk away from the sport had he won in Abu Dhabi. That would imply he would have had some sort of clause in his contract which would have allowed him to do so. Whether such a clause still exists could be significant as Mercedes could, in theory, sue their driver if he walks away from their deal.

Most people the Telegraph spoke to believe there is no chance of that happening. One said the current radio silence from Hamilton and Mercedes was “all for show” and that the Briton was merely being used as leverage to chivvy the FIA into action – one which also happens to make the first episode of this year’s Drive to Survive series particularly juicy.

“It’s all part of the drama,” said one F1 insider. “The truth is Lewis is going to have a super competitive car this year and he’s got 50 million reasons for staying [the value of his contract]. Anyway, if he was going to retire he’d have said it by now wouldn’t he? Otherwise he’s just going to f— the team because they’ve got no options.”

As for the possibility that Hamilton might be wary of risking his reputation against new team mate George Russell – the argument put forward by Ecclestone – no one the Telegraph spoke to was buying it. Coulthard believes Hamilton’s power within the team is such that had he made it a condition of re-signing that they stuck with Bottas, then that is what would have happened.

In any case, Coulthard thinks Hamilton will have too much for Russell this year: “I think George will regularly match Lewis, and outqualify him,” is his take. “But I also think George is in for an awakening. He’s still a puppy and puppies occasionally pee on the carpet.”

Another former driver, Karun Chandhok, was also adamant that Hamilton had lost nothing in terms of speed or competitiveness. He believes the delay is simply a case of waiting for the FIA to deliver on their promise.

“I think they need to demonstrate to Lewis that Abu Dhabi wasn’t some form of pre-meditated plan to rob him of the title,” Chandhok says. “It’s frustrating they have taken so long and also been silent. It should be simple – there was a four-minute window between when the first instruction that ‘no lapped cars will be let passed’ and when the select five cars were let through. What were the conversations that Masi had at that time and what led him to make those decisions?

“But do I think he’s actually going to quit? No. I’m sure he’s still very upset – understandably so. But ultimately Lewis loves driving race cars and winning. He’s still at the peak of his ability and earning power.”

In the mean time, Hamilton has not just his team but the whole sport hanging on his decision – which is, presumably, just where he wants them.