Mercedes have practically confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will drive for them again this year. The F1 star ended his 56-day silence on social media on Saturday, saying: “I’m gone. Now I’m back!”. Now his future is on the verge of being settled, as some have previously suggested he would retire and end the sport he has dominated for many years.
Hamilton missed out on the F1 title in 2021 while Max Verstappen claimed the prize in controversial circumstances.
And since then the Brit has kept a low profile.
On Saturday, however, Hamilton ended his social media silence by implying he was now ready to start posting more regularly.
After his loss to Verstappen, he became disillusioned with Formula One, believing the FIA and Michael Masi had prevented him from winning a historic eighth championship of his career.
He would have overtaken the legendary Michael Schumacher, who won seven titles during his time at the top.
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The Mercedes Twitter account retweeted Hamilton’s “I’m back” post while adding a praying hands emoji.
Then, a while later, they posted a screenshot of Hamilton’s name, which was trending on social media, adding, “That’s right.”
While Mercedes hasn’t officially confirmed Hamilton’s return, it does suggest he will drive for the Silver Arrows in 2022.
He is ready to work with George Russell, who will replace Valtteri Bottas after the Finn’s move to Alfa Romeo.
Official clarification of Hamilton’s future is unlikely until the FIA presents the results of its investigation into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Masi’s job is at stake and Mercedes is openly critical of how he has handled the chaos in the Middle East.
All drivers are prepared this week to meet with representatives of the governing body to share their thoughts on the matter.
And what ultimately happens remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, former driver Christijan Albers wants F1 to stop the booing after fans mocked Hamilton during the frenetic Abu Dhabi GP.
“There was screaming again in qualifying,” Albers told Motorsport.com.
“In all the years that I’ve been active in motorsport, this has never happened.
“Once, in Austria, the year Barrichello had to let Schumacher pass.
“Motorsport is not like football. We’re fans of everyone, of course a little more of Max Verstappen, but that doesn’t belong in motorsport.
“I find it really awful.”
Albers also feels sympathy for Hamilton as he lost the title in controversial circumstances.
“I felt for Lewis,” he said.
“He drove such a fantastic race and then it comes down to the decision.
“A championship that you can’t change, that you can’t influence. That’s the worst thing, losing the championship like that.”
The new F1 season is set to start next month.
The first race of the season takes place in Bahrain on Sunday March 20th, although the first practice session takes place two days earlier on March 18th.
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https://formulaone.news/mercedes/helmut-marko-reveals-what-triggered-the-red-bullrenault-f1-fall-out-in-2018
