Lewis Hamilton comeback confirmed by Mercedes after F1 star ends social media silence

Formula 1: Jenson Button on rumours of Lewis Hamilton retiring

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Mercedes have virtually confirmed Lewis Hamilton will race for them again this year. The F1 star ended his 56-day social media silence on Saturday, saying: “I’ve been gone. Now I’m back!”. Now, his future is poised to be clarified with some previously suggesting he’d retire and quit the sport he’s dominated for many years.

Hamilton missed out on the F1 title in 2021, with Max Verstappen claiming the prize in controversial circumstances.

And, ever since, the Brit has kept a low profile.

On Saturday, however, Hamilton ended his social media silence by suggesting that he was now ready to post more regularly again.

He’s been left disillusioned with F1 following his defeat to Verstappen, believing the FIA and Michael Masi prevented him from winning a historic eighth championship of his career.

That would have seen him move ahead of the iconic Michael Schumacher, who won seven titles during his time at the top.

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Mercedes’ Twitter account retweeted Hamilton’s ‘I’m back’ post while also adding a praying hands emoji.

Then, a little while later, they posted a screenshot of Hamilton’s name trending on social media while adding: “That’s right”.

While Mercedes haven’t officially confirmed Hamilton’s return, it does suggest he’ll be racing for the Silver Arrows in 2022.

He’s poised to partner George Russell, who will replace Valtteri Bottas following the Finn’s move to Alfa Romeo.

Official clarification of Hamilton’s future is likely to only come once the FIA delivers the results of its investigation into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Masi’s job is on the line, with Mercedes openly critical of how he handled the chaos in the Middle East.

All drivers this week are primed to meet with representatives of the governing body to discuss their thoughts on the matter.

And what ultimately happens remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, former driver Christijan Albers wants F1 to cut out booing after fans jeered Hamilton during the frantic Abu Dhabi GP.

“Again with qualifying there was shouting,” Albers told Motorsport.com.

“In all the years that I have been active in motorsport, that has never happened.

“Once, in Austria, in the year that Barrichello had to let Schumacher pass.

“Motorsport is not like football. We are fans of everyone, of course a little more of Max Verstappen, but this does not belong in motorsport.

“I think it is really terrible.”

Albers also feels sympathy towards Hamilton given how he lost the title in controversial circumstances.

“I felt for Lewis,” he said.

“He had driven such a fantastic race and then it comes down to a decision.

“A championship you can’t do anything about, you can’t influence. That’s the worst, losing the championship like that.”

The new F1 season is due to begin next month.

The first race of the season is in Bahrain on Sunday March 20, though the first practice session takes place two days before on March 18.

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