Lewis Hamilton shows a car with which he wants Verstappen removed from the throne again: “It was a difficult period, but now I will attack again” | Formula 1

Mercedes introduced its new car for the 2022 season today. Lewis Hamilton’s chance to speak to the press for the first time since the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Of course, the first question was whether he actually intended to stop. Lewis laughed well. “I never said I would stop. For starters, I love my job. Moreover, I am on the right team: it is such an honor to be able to work with such a group of people. I feel like family here. The feeling that we are working together towards the same goal is a feeling Fred. I want to cherish that.”

He finds it natural to ask himself questions as a driver. “After a season, you always ask yourself this question: If you are willing to do it again. This is a natural process, it is part of it.” And no, he doesn’t deny that the process was more difficult this time around. Of course the events in Abu Dhabi played a role. I kind of lost faith in the system. But this cannot stop me. Moreover: you have finally given me new strength. I’m ready, and now I’m going to win that eighth world title.”

Anyway, the period was not easy. Hamilton: “I can say it was really tough. I needed to take some distance. Fortunately, I can count on my family, who have been with me almost the whole time. Their closeness made my energy and my passion come full circle.”

While it is clearly still a difficult topic for Hamilton, he has not been afraid to return to the Abu Dhabi race. “No, I haven’t seen the footage yet, but I watch the movie regularly. In my head… ”As he continues to struggle with the decisive race result, which he says is ‘unfair’, he doesn’t blame Max Verstappen. “I don’t hold a grudge against anyone. Max did what any driver would do if he had the chance. So I don’t have a problem with him. I know nothing will stay between us. By the way, Max is a great driver: I’m looking forward to another duel between us.” And Hamilton deliberately spoke of “dueling” and not “fighting for the title”. Hamilton: “No, I don’t have a specific goal this season. I’m going to start the first race and I want to give the best performance possible…”

Of course, the Massey case was also discussed, and the question of whether Hamilton’s decision to continue had anything to do with the manager’s resignation. Team boss Toto Wolff took it upon himself to dismiss this suggestion. “I don’t think there is any connection as to whether or not the race director will stay,” said the Mercedes strongman. “The uncertainty had a lot to do with Lewis himself, with his acceptance of how the 2021 title race would eventually end. For Lewis, justice is very important, sportsmanship. He missed that in Abu Dhabi. Naturally he needed time to come to terms with himself. But that’s over. Now: He’s back and stronger than ever…”