How Hamilton recovered from ‘difficult’ F1 title blow 

After losing out on a record-breaking eighth world title in controversial circumstances at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton disappeared from the public eye and was absent from social media for two months. 

The seven-time world champion recently broke his silence and returned to the spotlight as Mercedes launched its new car for the 2022 F1 season on Friday at Silverstone. 

Hamilton was on great form as he spoke openly about his break and how he came to terms with the events of the Abu Dhabi finale when he addressed the media in his first interview since the December 12 race.

“I just unplugged and switched off,” he explained. “I had my whole family around me, actually a rare occasion when we were all together. 

“I just focused on being present with them. Obviously it took time to digest what had happened, which is still difficult to fully understand.

“But you know, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. So I put my focus into training, getting healthy, and enjoying the time off, because it goes quickly.” 

Hamilton admitted he came close to losing faith in F1 at the end of the 2021 season but insisted retirement was never an option he considered. 

“Of course at the end of a season you think and the question is whether you’re willing to commit the time, the effort it takes to be a world champion,” he said. 

“I think a lot of people underestimate what it takes to be a world champion and there are so many moving parts. It is not just turning up and driving the car. 

“So yeah, the question is, do you want to sacrifice the time? Do you believe you can continue to punch at the weight you’re punching? And so that’s a normal mental process for me. 

“But of course this one was compounded by a significant factor. I think, ultimately a sport I’ve loved my whole life, there was a moment where I obviously lost a little bit of faith within the system. 

“But I’m generally a very determined person and I like to think to myself whilst moments like this might define others’ careers, I refuse to let this define mine. 

“And so I focused on being the best I can be and coming back stronger.”

The FIA announced a series of changes to address what happened in Abu Dhabi, including removing Michael Masi as race director after his failure to apply the rules correctly during a late Safety Car period influenced the outcome of the championship. 

Two new race directors, Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich, will alternate in the role for the 2022 season and will be assisted by the returning Herbie Blash, as well as a new Virtual Race Control Room, similar to football’s VAR.

Hamilton, who has refused to re-watch the race, made it clear that he is keen to put the matter behind him. 

“I don’t particularly want to look backwards, I want to look forwards,” he said. 

“What I will say from yesterday, whilst we can’t change the past, and nothing will ever really be able to change the way I felt at the time and how I feel about the situation, it’s good to see the FIA are taking steps to make improvements. 

“I think accountability is key and we have to use this moment to make sure this never happens to anyone else in this sport ever again. 

“Even everything said by the FIA, I welcome that, but we have to make sure we keep a close eye and make sure we are seeing those changes. And rules are applied fairly and accurately, consistently.” 

Hamilton added: “Trust obviously can be lost in the blink of an eye or the flick of a finger, but to earn trust is something that’s built over a long, long period of time. 

“This first announcement yesterday is perhaps the first step of that, but it doesn’t necessarily change everything just yet. We have to see actual action. I think it will take a big of time. 

“I’m not really focused necessarily on that area at the moment. I’m just putting absolutely every ounce of my energy and time into making sure that I’m the best you’ve ever seen.”

Hamilton also stressed his relationship with Red Bull and new world champion Max Verstappen has not been affected by the events of Abu Dhabi. 

“This has nothing to do with Max,” he said. “Max did everything a driver would do given the opportunity he was given. He’s a great competitor and we will go into another battle like we did last year. 

“We will obviously grow from our races and experiences last year through the season, but I have no issues with him. I don’t hold any grudges with anybody. I never think that’s good to carry around with you, so I move forwards and don’t dwell on the past. 

“As I said before, I feel fresh, I feel centred, and fully focused. I don’t have anything holding over my shoulders or holding me back this year. I’m not letting that experience be one of those.”

Speaking during Mercedes’ launch, team principal Toto Wolff described Hamilton as having returned from his winter exile in “attack mode”. 

The 37-year-old acknowledged he has focused his energy into turning adversity into a weapon for the new season, much like he did when he hit an inspired run of superb form at the end of 2021. 

“I think over the years I’ve learned how to be efficient with my time, recovery, training, and building back up both your body and mind,” he explained. “I feel great, I feel fit. 

“Naturally when you have an extra year of experience that always helps. I always feel like through these sorts of experiences you can turn that emotion into strength and power, it’s what I’m doing, putting into my training, into my work with the men and women here. 

“If you thought what you saw at the end of last year was my best, wait until you see this year.”