Lewis Hamilton spotted for first time ahead of 2022 F1 season

LEWIS HAMILTON has been noticed out in public for the primary time since his defeat to Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi.

The seven-time Components One world champion was seen grabbing an iced espresso whereas out in California.

Hamilton, 37, has not formally confirmed whether or not or not he shall be returning to the observe this 12 months after the fallout from final 12 months’s closing race in Abu Dhabi.

The Brit misplaced out on the Driver’s Championship title to Verstappen after a controversial finale to the 2021 season.

Rumours have since circulated suggesting that he could not return to the game over frustrations in regards to the FIA and Michael Masi.

His determination shall be depending on the inquest into the title-deciding race, which shall be revealed two days earlier than the beginning of the season.

Nonetheless, it was lately revealed that he WILL be on the launch of Mercedes’ 2022 automotive.

Totto Wolff and his staff seem like optimistic about his return, with Mercedes posting loads of Hamilton content material on their social media channels.

Most Components One drivers have returned to pre-season coaching, together with George Russell.

The younger star is predicted to go toe-to-toe along with his new team-mate this 12 months, which may make for an much more thrilling title race.

In the meantime, former Mercedes co-star Valtteri Bottas admits he was confused by his parting present from the staff.

The German producer gifted the Finn his 2017 automotive – the 12 months he joined the staff – and Bottas joked: “I don’t have room for it!”