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Lewis Hamilton has confessed he seriously contemplated retirement after his F1 title defeat to Max Verstappen in December. The 37-year-old was prevented from winning a historic eighth Formula One title in controversial circumstances in Abu Dhabi. Yet he's now swallowed that disappointment and is hoping to avenge that defeat when the new season starts in March.

Hamilton kept a low profile in the immediate aftermath of his defeat to Verstappen.

The Brit was livid at the way the chaos of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was handled by the FIA, and race director Michael Masi in particular.

Hamilton was the subject of intense retirement speculation but he's since insisted he'll be racing with Mercedes in 2022 as he targets a historic eighth F1 title.

And now, speaking to RacingNews365.com, the Stevenage-born racer has admitted he considered quitting the sport during his time off.