Lewis Hamilton breaks silence on F1 title heartbreak and retirement rumours

Lewis Hamilton admits he needed to take a step back from Formula 1 after he lost the 2021 World Championship in controversial circumstances, but says he never had any intention of retiring.

Hamilton led the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix until a safety car allowed rival Max Verstappen back into the race.

Former FIA F1 race director Michael Masi bizarrely allowed Verstappen to overtake the five lapped cars between him and Hamilton before restarting the race on the final lap.

On fresher tyres, Verstappen swept past Hamilton to take the win and lift the trophy, despite the appeals from a furious Mercedes team.

Speaking for the first time since the Abu Dhabi drama at the launch of the new Mercedes W13 car, Hamilton said: ‘I never ever said I was going to stop.

‘I love doing what I do and it is such a privilege working with this large group of people and you really feel like you’re part of a family, a part of a team and you’re working towards that common goal. There’s no feeling quite like it.’

The seven-time world champion added: ‘It was obviously a difficult time for me and it was a time where I really needed to take a step back and focus on being present.

‘I had my family all around me creating great moments. I eventually got to a point where I decided I was going to be attacking again coming into another season and working with Toto [Woolf] and George [Russell].’

It was confirmed last summer that 23-year-old Briton George Russell would replace Valtteri Bottas as Hamilton’s partner at Mercedes.

Russell joins Mercedes after three years at Williams where he underlined his credentials for a seat in a top team.

Asked about his new team-mate, Hamilton said: ‘It is exciting seeing George come in and bring his energy. I can