LEWIS HAMILTON proclaimed “I’m back” as the Formula One superstar broke his social media silence.
Hamilton, 37, has been uncharacteristically silent since December’s controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – where he lost his world title to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
The Brit is understood to have been considering QUITTING the sport after missing out on a record eighth championship on the final lap in the Middle East.
But Hamilton suggested he is ready to go again to his 26.8million Instagram followers, smiling in a snap in front of the Grand Canyon captioned: “I’ve been gone. Now I’m back!”
Mercedes were quick to comment, as they messaged: “Welcome back.”
Hamilton was leading by ten seconds going into lap 54 in last season’s finale, only to have victory cruelly snatched away after the deployment of a safety car.
He has since been accused of trying to get FIA Race Director Michael Masi the sack, after he failed to obey the correct rules by allowing lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to overtake.
That resulted in a one-lap sprint to decide the title, Verstappen’s fresher tyres making all the difference.
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New FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem admitted last month that Hamilton is “not 100 per cent ready” to commit his future to the sport.
Ben Sulayem claimed: “I don’t think he’s 100 per cent ready to respond right now.
“We don’t blame him. I understand his position.”
While former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone admitted he did not think the Brit would be returning.
The 91-year-old told Blick: “I don’t think he’s coming back. His disappointment is too big. And you can somehow understand it.
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“Now it would be time to tackle his dream of becoming a fashion entrepreneur with seven world titles like Michael Schumacher.”
Hamilton is due to report back to Mercedes duty on February 23 for pre-season testing.
The opening race of the 2022 season will take place in Bahrain on March 20.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk