F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Hamilton turning Abu Dhabi hardship into 'strength and power'

Lewis Hamilton says he's heading into the 2022 F1 season reinvigorated by his winter break, but also with a steely determination fueled in part by the hardship endured at the end of last season.

Hamilton put to rest this week the lingering speculation regarding his future in F1, reporting for duty at the Mercedes team's base this week in Brackley fit and well, and raring to go.

The seven-time world champion made clear that during his winter break, he never seriously considered walking away from F1 after losing the 2021 title in shabby circumstances in Abu Dhabi.

But the massive disappointment suffered at Yas Marina and the ensuing grievances did leave him with more questions than usual during his two-month break.

"Of course, at the end of seasons you think, and the question is whether you're willing to commit the time and the effort that it takes to be a world champion," he said at Friday's launch at Silverstone of Mercedes' 2022 car.

"I think a lot of people underestimate what it takes to be a world champion. And there are so many moving parts. It's not just turning up and driving the car.

"The question is, do you want to sacrifice the time? Do you believe that you can continue to punch at the weight that you're punching? So that's a normal kind of mental process for me.

"But of course, this one was compounded by a significant factor. And I think ultimately, with a sport that I've loved my whole life, there was a moment where I kind of obviously lost a little bit of faith within the system.

"But I'm generally a very determined person. And I like to think to myself like whilst moments like this might define careers, I refuse to let this define mine.

"And so I'm focused on being the best I can be and coming back stronger."

Hamilton revealed that having his entire family at his side during part of the off-season was a big comfort.

"I really just unplugged, switched off," he said. "Firstly, on one side, I deserve to be able to switch off at the end of the year anyway.

"But I had my whole family around me. It was actually a rare occasion where we were absolutely all together, and I just focused on being present with them.

"What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, so I put my focus into just training, getting healthy and enjoying the time off because it goes quickly."

©Instagram/LewisHamilton

The 37-year-old said that he ultimately turned his Abu Dhabi frustrations into positive elements that will allow him to return to the fray as an even stronger force to be reckoned with this season.

"I always feel like through these sorts of experiences you can turn that emotion into strength and into power, and that’s what I’m doing," he said.

"I’m putting that into my training and putting that into the work that I have with the men and women here in this team.

"If you think what you saw at the end of the last year was my best, wait till you see this year."

Lewis Hamilton rivals, you have been warned!

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

12 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

13 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

14 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

16 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

17 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

18 hours ago