He's back! Hamilton checks in on social media

©Instagram

Rejoice F1 fans, for seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has finally emerged out of hibernation!

The Mercedes driver popped out of the woodwork late on Saturday with a short message and a spectacular picture to boot.

"I’ve been gone. Now I’m back!" wrote the Briton, striking a smiling pose against an amazing backdrop that looks like Grand Canyon.

It's been 55 days since Hamilton's bitter defeat in Abu Dhabi at the hands of Red Bull's Max Verstappen, or was it FIA race director Michael Masi?

Late last year, Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff said that Hamilton had been disillusioned by how F1's title decider at Yas Marina had unfolded, a comment that led to speculation about the Briton's return to the grid in 2022.

But perhaps switching off from the F1's buzz and hullabaloo during the winter was just what Hamilton needed to recharge his batteries, revive his fervor and convince him to return to the fray.

He's back. But was he really ever gone?

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.