Lewis Hamilton will not let controversial end to 2021 season ‘define’ his career

Lewis Hamilton said he will not allow the controversial conclusion to last season define his Formula One career.

But a defiant Hamilton – back in the public spotlight two months and six days after the contentious Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – also demanded that the FIA must be held to account to ensure what happened to him is never repeated.

Hamilton, the most decorated driver in the sport’s history, was on course to win a record-breaking eighth world championship before race director Michael Masi seemingly broke the rules to allow Max Verstappen the chance to take the title following a late safety car.

The FIA appeared to accept that a mistake was made when Masi was eventually dismissed from his position on Thursday.

The sporting federation also announced a complete overhaul of race control, while its inquiry into the final laps in Abu Dhabi is ongoing.

“At the end of every season, the question I ask myself is whether I am willing to commit the time and effort that it takes to be a world champion,” said Hamilton, 37.

“A lot of people underestimate what it takes to be a world champion. Do I want to sacrifice the time? Can I punch at the weight I have been punching?

“That is a normal mental process for me, but this year was compounded by a significant factor about a sport I have loved my whole life. There was a moment where I lost a little bit of faith.

“I put faith and trust alongside each other and trust can be lost in a blink of an eye or a flick of a finger.

“But I am a determined person and I like to think to myself that while moments like this might define other people’s careers, I will refuse to let it define mine.

“And although we cannot change the past – and nothing will ever change how it felt at the time – it is good