Lewis Hamilton has admitted for the first time that he seriously considered retirement in the aftermath of the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Mercedes driver went into the race level on points with title rival Max Verstappen, and seemed destined to claim an eighth world title crown as he led comfortably in the closing stages.
However, then came the now infamous safety car procedure which ultimately presented Verstappen with the chance to overtake him on the final lap, as the Dutchman took the chequered flag in dramatic fashion.
Despite behaving with real dignity in the immediate aftermath of the Grand Prix, opting to congratulate his rival and thank his fans and team members, Hamilton then embarked on a period of silence as speculation mounted over his future.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff revealed that the British driver was considering quitting the sport after feeling 'disillusioned' over what transpired at the Yas Marina, and it wasn't until this month that Hamilton finally confirmed he would again race for the Silver Arrows in 2022.
But in an interview with RacingNews365.com , the seven-time champion conceded he had questioned his own desire to carry on.
"Naturally, I think at the end of any season, probably for those that are around my age, of course you're thinking about the future,” he said.
"You're thinking about, what are the next steps? What are the right steps for you to take, and what's right for you in terms of overall happiness?
"So I always evaluate all my options."
Despite missing out on the title, Hamilton finished the season back to his mercurial best, winning races in Brazil, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia before that season finale in Abu Dhabi.
And he insisted his passion for the sport, as well as his own form, was still as strong as ever.
"I did make a commitment to the team earlier on in the season,” he said.
"And ultimately, I love what I do. I love being a part of a team. I love working with - and I've said it so many times - everyone towards a common goal.
“And I feel at my best, so why do I need to leave?"
Whilst Hamilton will be back in 2022, FIA race director Michael Masi won't be, having lost his job as a result of his actions over the safety car procedure.
