‘I never said I was going to stop’ - Hamilton on F1 exit rumours

Hamilton maintained a strict social media silence after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix following his dramatic title defeat to Max Verstappen.

The seven-time F1 champion made no public response to what happened at the Yas Marina Circuit and the circumstances in which he lost the title.

Making his first public appearance since Abu Dhabi, Hamilton admitted he needed to take a step back over the winter.

“Well, I never ever said I was going to stop,” Hamilton said ahead of the launch of the W13. “I love doing what I do and it’s such a privilege working with this large group of people when you really feel you’re part of a family, part of a team working towards a common goal.

“There’s no feeling quite like it. It was obviously a difficult time for me and it was a time where I really needed to take a step back, focus on being present so I had my family all around me and creating great moments.”

With F1 embarking on entirely new regulations for this season which should even the playing field, Hamilton admitted he’s put the disappointment of Abu Dhabi behind him and is ready to “be attacking again”.

“Eventually, I  got to a point where I decided I’m going to be attacking again coming into another season and working with Toto and George. It is exciting seeing George come in and bring his energy. I can already feel that throughout the team and I think it’s going to be an exciting season.”

Hamilton and new teammate George Russell will get the opportunity to drive the W13 for the first time in a shakedown at Silverstone on Friday.