Hamilton explains his silence after Abu Dhabi

Lewis Hamilton says he needed to “unplug” and “refocus” after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which saw Max Verstappen crowned World Champion in controversial circumstances.

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Hamilton had been leading the race and looked set for a record-breaking eighth world title until a late Safety Car call allowed Verstappen to overtake him.

After the race, Hamilton disappeared from social media, leading many to speculate whether he intended to return to the sport.

The 37-year-old eventually confirmed he will be racing again this year and has explained his absence as a need to “refocus” and “unplug from social media”.

“The off-season has been a bit different,” Hamilton said during a Q&A at a sponsor’s event.

“It’s been a bit crazy. Abu Dhabi was a difficult period of time, probably for all of us. We are living in a crazy time in the world but I had to unplug.

“Just so you know if anyone wants to do it, unplugging from social media is a really good thing.

“I missed everyone that follows and supports but I needed the time to re-centre and refocus.

“I was with my family, trying to be the best uncle I can be, rebuilding, and I’ve come back to fight.”

Working hard to untap that potential. pic.twitter.com/TwPMkdnxYh

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) March 13, 2022

He also said the experience had taught him winning is not everything and that you learn more from defeats.

“My whole life has been about