Lewis Hamilton, 37, was speaking for the first time since he lost the world championship in controversial circumstances to Max Verstappen.
Follow Us
Lewis Hamilton said he is ready to attack the new Formula One season on his return to the public spotlight.
Hamilton, 37, was speaking for the first time since he lost the world championship in controversial circumstances to Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi on 12 December.
The seven-time world champion was disillusioned following the debacle in the desert and, at one stage, it was unclear if he would return to the grid.
Read more: Mercedes reveal 2022 F1 challenger, the W13
“I never ever said I was going to stop,” said Hamilton at Mercedes’ launch. “I love doing what I do, and it is such a privilege working with this large group of people and you feel like you are part of a family. There is nothing quite like it.”
Hamilton was speaking publicly for the first time since the contentious Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – and a day after Michael Masi was dropped as race director – when Mercedes launched its new car at Silverstone on Friday.
“I think, from yesterday, while we cannot change the past, nothing will ever really be able to change the way I felt at the time and how I feel about the situation,” he said.
“It’s good to see that the FIA are taking steps to make improvements. I think that accountability is key. We have to use this moment to make sure that this never happens to anybody else in this sport ever again.
Read more: Michael Masi removed as Formula One race director, FIA announces
“Everything that’s been said by the FIA yesterday, I welcome that. We have to make sure that we keep a close eye on and make sure that we actually are seeing those changes and that the rules are being applied fairly and consistently.”
Hamilton is set for his 16th campaign. Asked if the record-breaking Briton still has the same enthusiasm, Wolff replied: “Yes. absolutely. He is in love with the sport and we are ready to hunt for victories and hopefully the world championship. He is in the right mindset.
“It was not about the race director, or anybody else, but about Lewis making peace with how the race ended.
