The defeat in Abu Dhabi and, above all, the way it came about, had hit Lewis Hamilton very hard. According to team principal Toto Wolff , the Mercedes driver was “very disappointed” and was therefore absent from his social networks.
His continuation in Formula 1 seemed to hinge on the FIA investigation and Hamilton is still keeping quiet about it ahead of the final results, which will be formally announced in Bahrain in mid-March. However, last Saturday, the seven-time world champion posted a message on social media: “I left, but I’m back.”
That was a clear sign that if nothing changes, he will continue in Formula 1 in 2022, an idea that has also been reinforced since then. For example, Hamilton’s preparations for the new F1 season under completely new technical regulations are already in full swing.
The British driver visited the Mercedes factory on Monday and Tuesday this week to begin his work with the team. This has been confirmed by a team spokesman to Motorsport.com Holland. However, images of his return to the factory have not yet been published, although it is not ruled out that they may come to light in the coming days.
In this way, Hamilton has already known the new Mercedes W13 with which he should compete throughout the 2022 season, a single-seater that will be presented on February 18 through a virtual event.
With this car, the British hopes to have a new opportunity to win his eighth world title in Formula 1 and leave Michael Schumacher behind, since right now both share the first historical step with seven crowns each.
On the other hand, and despite the continuous rumors that pointed to a possible withdrawal from Formula 1, Hamilton’s current contract with Mercedes runs until the end of 2023.
