Motor racing-Hamilton breaks silence with social media post

(Reuters) – Seven-times Method One world champion Lewis Hamilton broke his silence on Saturday together with his first social media publish since final yr’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Briton, who hadn’t spoken publicly since a broadcast interview instantly after he misplaced the title in controversial circumstances to Purple Bull rival Max Verstappen, put up a publish on his Instagram account after a close to two-month hiatus.

The 37-year-old Mercedes driver uploaded {a photograph} of himself at what seemed to be the Grand Canyon within the U.S. with the caption; “I’ve been gone. Now I’m again!”

Hamilton, winner of a report 103 races, had been on the right track to clinch an unprecedented eighth title with victory in final yr’s season-ending race on the Yas Marina observe.

However an ad-hoc change to the security automotive guidelines by race director Michael Masi in an try and create a last-lap showdown between the title rivals gave Verstappen, on more energizing tyres, the chance to make the decisive move.

Hamilton didn’t converse to the media after being knighted at Windsor Fort on Dec. 15 and failed to point out for the governing FIA’s prize-giving in Paris a day later, risking punishment since turning up is obligatory for the highest three within the championship.

His silence additionally fuelled hypothesis surrounding his future, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff on Dec. 16 describing Hamilton, who has a contract till the top of 2023, as “disillusioned”.

The Briton has reportedly been ready on the result of the governing FIA’s investigation into the Abu Dhabi race, particularly Masi’s position as race director, to decide on his future.

However the physique final month stated that choices ensuing from its evaluation will solely be introduced at its World Motor Sport Council on March 18 in Bahrain, the day of Friday’s observe session for the season-opening race within the Gulf island Kingdom.

Mercedes, who’re set to launch their new automotive on Feb. 18, have been posting Hamilton-themed content material on their social media accounts. On Friday, the group put up a publish captioned, “44 days to go, one other day nearer to lights out in Bahrain” with a picture of the quantity 44, Hamilton’s race quantity, on one of many Briton’s earlier vehicles.

(Reporting by Abhishek Takle; enhancing by Ed Osmond)