Lewis Hamilton says he’s ‘back’ in first post after losing F1 title to Max Verstappen

Lewis Hamilton has broken his silence after losing his F1 title to Max Verstappen by declaring that he is ‘back’.

The 37-year-old has been inactive on social media since the dramatic end to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.

Verstappen clinched the F1 title on the final lap with the safety car playing a huge role in allowing the Red Bull driver to close a 12-second gap behind Hamilton.

Since the result, speculation has mounted over Hamilton’s future in the sport with reports claiming that he is considering retirement ahead of the 2022 season.

But Hamilton has given a huge indication that he will be aiming for a record-breaking eighth world championship this year with his social media post out of the blue on Saturday evening.

Hamilton shared a picture of himself at the Grand Canyon with the caption: ‘I’ve been gone. Now I’m back!’

<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>Iâve been gone. Now Iâm back! pic.twitter.com/Y8i0cgJXZq

Speaking to Blick in December, retired F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone raised doubts over Hamilton’s desire to continue.

Asked whether he had spoken to Hamilton, the 91-year-old said: ‘No, but a few days ago with his father.

‘I immediately felt that he wouldn’t answer a question about his son’s future. So we only talked about business!

‘I don’t think he’s coming back. His disappointment is too big. And you can somehow understand it.

‘Now it would be time to tackle his dream of becoming a fashion entrepreneur with seven world titles like Michael Schumacher.’

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