Lewis Hamilton gives emphatic answer about his 2022 F1 plans

Lewis Hamilton has given an emphatic response to questions about his state of mind heading into the 2022 Formula 1 season.

The Mercedes driver took time away from the spotlight during the winter months, which led to speculation over whether he would walk away from the sport.

That was because of the controversial finish to the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which resulted in Red Bull‘s Max Verstappen overtaking Hamilton on the final lap. Had Hamilton won the race, he would have been champion. Instead, the Dutchman won his first world title.

After a meeting on Thursday, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced a new race direction structure. The race director blamed for the ending to the Abu Dhabi race, Michael Masi, has been removed. He will be offered another role within the FIA.

Read: FIA announce new VAR-style race direction after Michael Masi removal

Hamilton present at Mercedes car launch

On Friday, Mercedes unveiled their new car for the 2022 F1 season – and Lewis Hamilton was there.

The 37-year-old and new team-mate George Russell were present at the team’s Brackley base to present their latest challenger. Mercedes are hoping to win their ninth consecutive Constructors’ Championship.

Hamilton then took the car for its first spin around a wet Silverstone circuit, with the country engulfed by Storm Eunice. Although the Brit couldn’t complete the test at a brisk pace, fans still saw the new Mercedes in all its glory.

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Understandably, much of the press attention was on Hamilton in one of his first public appearances since the conclusion of the 2021 season.

Lewis Hamilton responds to question about ambitions

Lewis Hamilton
Image Credit: Getty

The Brit was asked about his current state of mind, to which he gave an emphatic response.

He explained (quotes via Autosport): “With these long seasons, the off-time isn’t as long as you would hope for. It seems to get shorter and shorter.

“But I think, over the years, I’ve learned how to be efficient with my time, with my recovery, and then with training, and the building back up, both your body and your mind.

“But I feel great, I feel fit. Naturally, when you have an extra year of experience under your belt, that always helps. And I always feel that through these sort of experiences, you can turn that emotion into strength and into power.

“That’s what I’m doing. I’m putting that into my training. I’m putting that into the work that I have with the men and women here in this team. And if you think what you saw at the end of last year was my best, wait until you see this year.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty