Lewis Hamilton has assured fans that he has learnt from last season’s disappointment as Mercedes launch their new car for the upcoming season.
Despite the controversial ending in Abu Dhabi last season, the eight-time world champion spoke with determination and humility, telling the media how he needed time to process last year’s finale.
“I never said I was going to stop, but it was a difficult time for me, and I really needed to step back.
“It was a time where I really needed to step back, focus on being present. I had my family all around me creating great moments.”
The Brit also stated that he had “lost a little bit of faith in the system” after many fans believe Michael Masi incorrectly applied the rules during a safety-car period in the late stages of the race.
Just yesterday, Masi was relieved of his duties as race director and the Mercedes driver spoke openly about making sure those same mistakes are never repeated.
“It’s good to see the FIA are making changes. Accountability is key. We have to use this moment to make sure this never happens to anyone ever again.
“We have to make sure we are seeing those changes, and the rules are applied fairly, and accurate and consistently.”
When asked about his goals for the season, Hamilton did not completely dismiss his goal of a ninth world championship, however, he was respectful of the tough task at hand.
“I haven’t really set any goals initially. Naturally, everyone is working towards the ultimate goal of winning the championship and the target of doing something we have never done before.
His Dutch rival was able to pass him on the final lap of the Grand Prix and was subsequently crowned world champion in what has become one of the sport’s most iconic yet disputed moments to date.
“This has nothing to do with Max. Max did everything a driver would do given the opportunity he was given.
“He’s a great competitor and we will go into another battle like we did last year and we will grow from our races and experiences we had last year.
Nevertheless, Hamilton stressed to his supporters that he will be returning with a burning desire to be successful this season.
“I am generally a very determined person.
“And while moments like this might define careers, I refuse to let this define mine.”
“Eventually I got to a point where I decided I was going to be attacking again coming into another season.”
For this year’s season, he will be driving the brand-new Mercedes W13 which has been carefully designed in line with the new FIA regulations which seek to produce more competitive competition within the sport.
Mercedes’ team principal, Toto Wolff, was quick to be modest around his team’s new car:
“The hopes are we will have a competitive car!
“We don’t know whether we are even in the hunt for another title.”
Fans were given their first look at this season’s car with Mercedes deciding to return to their traditional silver colour for the livery.
Both Hamilton and his new teammate George Russell are due to test the car for the first time at Silverstone on Friday, providing Storm Eunice doesn’t make the day unsafe.
