Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton finally opened up on his retirement rumors, nearly two months after the controversial Abu Dhabi GP. The Briton observed total isolation from social appearances after a disheartening loss in the thrilling season finale. Max Verstappen pipped the seven-time world champion to the crown in a highly debated race conclusion.

Since then, speculations were making rounds about his future in Formula 1. However, in a recent development that brought a wave of jubilation among the fans, Hamilton posted a picture of himself smiling at the Grand Canyon on his Twitter and Instagram handles with a caption saying, “I’ve been gone. Now I’m back!”.

Although the 7-time world champion did not come out in criticism of the racing committee, his silence spoke volumes. Many including Mercedes boss Toto Wolff hinted Hamilton might bow out of his seat after a disheartening loss. After much backlash, FIA was forced to launch an investigation into the Abu Dhabi scandal.

Almost a month later, President Sulayem announced major changes in the 2022 racing committee yesterday. The most prominent was that Michael Masi, the man held at the center of this controversy, will no longer serve as the race director. However, after months of speculation, Lewis Hamilton finally opened up on his thoughts after the final race.

I never said I was going to stop: Lewis Hamilton

For the first time since Abu Dhabi GP, Hamilton took questions from the media. The Mercedes luminary has marked his social media presence in the last two weeks. From his training schedules to his insights from his off-days, he is rekindling romance with his fans, just like old times.

More recently, Hamilton finally decided to share his thought process over the last two months, and he has some shocking revelations to make. The Briton said he was never thinking of hanging up his helmet, instead; he was taking a step back to process the Abu Dhabi debacle.

“I never, ever said I was going to stop. I love doing what I do. It was a difficult time for me, and it was a time where I really needed to take a step back,” said Hamilton as reported by ESPN.

“I was around my family and friends and then there was a time I decided I was going to be attacking again, working with Toto and George,” added the Mercedes man.

Now, he will be back behind the wheel of the 2022 W-13 for the pre-season test in Barcelona scheduled next week. After a major overhaul in the F1 regulations in 2021, fans expect other top teams to join Mercedes and Red Bull in the title fight. What are your predictions for the upcoming season?

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