Wolff's New Year's message: 'Onwards and upwards!'

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff took to social media on Thursday to wish Formula 1 fans a happy New Year, hinting that the Brackely squad is determined to hit the ground running in 2022.

Although Mercedes conquered its eighth consecutive F1 Constructors' title, extending the team's previous record, the German outfit lost out to Red Bull and Max Verstappen in the Drivers' Championship.

The controversial outcome of F1 finale Abu Dhabi, which was reduced to a one-lap shootout between Verstappen and Hamilton, understandably left Mercedes and Hamilton feeling cheated out of an eighth crown for the Briton, with neither Wolff nor Hamilton attending the FIA's prize-giving gala in Paris.

• Read also: Hamilton taking break from 'toxic' social media, says brother

Although the Mercedes' star driver remains out of the public eye, Wolff appears to have moved on from his team's recent disappointment.

"Hi everyone. So this is a wrap, 2021 is finished," Wolff said his New Year's post on social media.

"There were some highs, there were some lows.

"There was some glory and some drama but, at the end, this is how it feels to be alive.

"So I wish you a wonderful New Year's Eve, and happy 2022! Onwards and upwards!"

While a whirlwind of speculation regarding Hamilton's future erupted after the Briton's refusal to attend the FIA gala earlier this month, few believe the seven-time world champion, who is contracted to Mercedes until the end of 2023, will throw in the towel and ride off into the sunset.

Nicolas Hamilton recently revealed on Twitch that his brother, who hasn't posted on social media since qualifying day in Abu Dhabi, is doing "fine" and likely just taking a break from his online accounts.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter