He smiles relaxed and in a good mood at the camera, his head slightly tilted, his hands casually in the pockets of his colorful trousers.
Lewis Hamilton has reported back.
"I was gone.
Now I'm back, ”wrote the now 37-year-old Formula 1 star on Saturday for a photo on Instagram, which probably shows him at the Grand Canyon in the USA.
Hamilton has been silent for more than 50 days, withdrew after the bitter World Cup final in Abu Dhabi on December 12, 2021.
In less than an hour, more than 700,000 Instagram users had “liked” the post.
Well, before Formula 1 gradually picks up speed again next week with the presentation of the new Red Bull racing car by Hamilton conqueror Max Verstappen on Wednesday, the seven-time champion from Great Britain broke his silence.
Even if he didn't say a word about Formula 1 and his Mercedes racing team at first, there should now be no more doubts about the continuation of his career according to his contract.
On February 18, his new Silver Arrow will be presented with his new teammate George Russell.
Hamilton's week-long disappearance from the public fueled speculation that he might retire after feeling robbed of the title.
In the final phase of the decisive race, decisions by race director Michael Masi made one final maneuver by Verstappen possible.
The Dutchman had won the Grand Prix and thus also the World Championship, Hamilton missed the sole title record ahead of Michael Schumacher.
The International Automobile Federation is still dealing with what happened.
It is not yet clear what the consequences will be.
Mercedes had initially protested, but after an initial defeat refrained from appealing, but among other things vehemently demanded a revision of the procedure.