Lewis Hamilton denies he had any plans to retire from Grand Prix racing – But he says it was important to take some time out
“I never said I was going to quit!” – Lewis Hamilton plays down rumours that he wanted to retire from Formula 1. However, he calls it important to have stepped away from things over the winter.
The world champion has stepped back from the public eye following the safety car controversy in Abu Dhabi last year. He made no public comments about what happened at the finale. Only Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff let slip that he was “disillusioned” after everything that happened.
This prompted rumours that Hamilton would retire from Formula 1, feeling that the sport had lost its credibility.
However, during his first appearance at the launch of the Mercedes W13 on Friday, the 37-year-old explained that he had very quickly made the decision to return highly motivated. Even if he had to take some time off for a while.
“I never said I would stop. I love what I do and it is a privilege to work with this group of people. You feel how you are part of a team and a family, working towards a common goal. There is no feeling like it,” the seven-time world champion said at the presentation.
“But yes, it was a difficult time for me. And it was a time when I really had to take a step back and just live in the now. I had my family around me, those were great moments.”
“Ultimately I got to a point where I decided I wanted to tackle a new season and work with Toto and George [Russell]. It’s exciting to see how George has come into the team with all his energy. I can already feel that throughout the team. I think it’s going to be an exciting season. “
The Mercedes launch came exactly one day after the FIA, the world governing body for motor sport, unveiled its measures following the Abu Dhabi controversy. In the process, Michael Masi had to vacate his post as race director. In addition, a virtual race control room was created and the safety car rules were changed to avoid such problems in the future.
Toto Wolff, who has been campaigning for the FIA to take responsibility for its mistakes in Abu Dhabi, approves of the measures: “I think it’s encouraging to see that action has been taken. “
“There is now a much more robust structure, including support for the race director. The FIA has announced it will be using the latest technology in virtual race control. The new team will be there for the first time at the Barcelona test. I think these were the right steps. “
