Hamilton at the presentation of the new Mercedes: "Never said I would stop"

Enlarge image

Wants to attack again: Lewis Hamilton

Photo:

Dan Isitene / Formula 1 / Getty Images

At his first public appearance in several weeks, Lewis Hamilton spoke of a "difficult time" after what he saw as the bitterly lost season finale last year.

The Formula 1 record world champion took part in the presentation of the new Mercedes W13 for the upcoming season.

Around four weeks before the Grand Prix in Bahrain, he dispelled any doubts about the continuation of his career: »I never said that I would stop.

I love what I do," said the 37-year-old Brit at Silverstone.

Hamilton missed out on the eighth world championship title in the drivers' championship on December 12 last year when he was overtaken in a dramatic race on the final lap by rival Max Verstappen in the Red Bull and the Dutchman won the title.

"I had to take a step back," Hamilton explained his time out after the final and the accolade a few days later from the public.

"I had my family around me, it was a great time," Hamilton said.

He had also completely withdrawn from social media.

Mercedes sports director welcomes dismissal of the race director

This fueled speculation about an abrupt end to his career – also fueled by Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

He left open the question of whether Hamilton would start again for Mercedes next year.

Instead, he had announced that he wanted to stay away from the award ceremony for the new world champion Verstappen together with Hamilton.

At the beginning of February, Hamilton reported via Twitter: »I've been gone.

Now I'm back!'

Wolff now welcomed the fact that the international automobile association Fia has drawn conclusions after the events in Abu Dhabi.

“It is very encouraging to see that action has been taken.

It was the right move,' he said.

On Thursday, the Fia announced, among other things, the dismissal of race director Michael Masi, whose decisions had significantly influenced Verstappen's title win.

In addition, the future race directors will be supported by a central command center similar to the video assistant in football.

W13 silver again

In any case, a lot will be different in Formula 1, the changed regulations will take effect in the new season: the teams had to design completely new cars.

"I've never experienced such a rule change," said Hamilton: "This is perhaps the most exciting time of my career, it's like my first year."

The steering wheel is the only element that has been carried over from its predecessor, according to Mercedes.

"We're starting from scratch again," said Wolff and, looking back at the previous series triumphs in the constructors' championship, added: "Eight titles, but past successes don't guarantee anything."

Unlike in previous years, when Mercedes sent a black car into the race as a sign against racism and discrimination as part of the global "Black Lives Matter" movement, the W13 is back on the track with the traditional silver paintwork.

Compatriot George Russell, brought in by Williams to succeed Valtteri Bottas, will drive alongside Hamilton next season.

ngo/dpa/sid