'I never said I was going to stop': Lewis Hamilton gears up for 2022 F1 season

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton insisted on Friday he never said he was going to quit Formula One despite the controversial end to the 2021 world championship.

The British driver, 37, was speaking at the launch of the 2022 Mercedes car and for the first time since he lost the championship to Max Verstappen in the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 12.

"I never ever said I was going to stop," said seven-time champion Hamilton, who appeared alongside new team-mate George Russell and team boss Toto Wolff.

"I love doing what I do, and it is such a privilege working with this large group of people and you feel like you are part of a family. There is nothing quite like it."

Mercedes have reverted from black - installed for the past two seasons in the fight against racism - to their traditional silver colours for the new season.

"It is probably one of the most exciting times," added Hamilton. "It feels like the first [launch] again.

"It is very surreal to think I have been with Mercedes for 10 years. Seeing George have his seat fit at the factory was reminiscent of when I had my first seat fit with Mercedes at 2013. The journey we have been on since is absolutely phenomenal.

"Going into this year, I have not really set any goals. Every individual within this team has worked towards the ultimate goal of winning the world championship and raising the bar and doing something that has not been done before."

Race winner and 2021 Formula One World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and his Red Bull Racing team celebrate on the podium after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. Victor Besa / The National

Formula One race director Michael Masi had altered the safety car procedure to allow for a