Lewis Hamilton says he is ready to ‘attack’ the new Formula One season after getting over the bitter disappointment of Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton disappeared from public view for a couple of months after he was controversially pipped to the world title by Max Verstappen.
But at the launch of the new Mercedes car, Hamilton insisted he was more motivated than ever.
Hamilton said: “I never, ever said I was going to stop. It’s what I love doing.
“It was a difficult time for me. I needed to take a step back. I had my family with me and created special moments.
“But then it got to a point when I decided I was going to be attacking again.”
Hamilton is in his 10th season with Mercedes and is aiming for a record-breaking eighth world title.
He went on: “The journey we have been on is phenomenal. I haven’t set any goals but the aim is always to win the world championship.”
Hamilton was denied that eighth title after a controversial call by race director Michael Masi in Abu Dhabi.
Masi was removed from his position on Thursday and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff welcomed the changes, saying: “It feels a bit surreal to sit here after winning the constructors championship eight times in a row but obviously there was a shadow.
“It is very encouraging to see action has been taken and I think they are the right steps.”
