LEWIS HAMILTON has broken his silence on social media with a cryptic six-word post where he announced he’s ‘back’.
The 37-year-old hasn’t been active on Instagram since the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December where he lost out on the world title to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
British star Hamilton missed out on a record eighth championship after Verstappen passed the Mercedes ace on the final lap having taken advantage of a safety car.
Hamilton was leading the race by ten seconds going into lap 54, only for a safety car to be deployed after Williams’ Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers.
And with fresher tyres having pitted, Verstappen overtook his rival after stewards decided to allow lapped cars to overtake.
FIA director Michael Masi had initially indicated lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen would stay in their formation, only to change his mind, resulting in the former to claim that the race ‘has been manipulated’.
His former Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg spoke of the ‘incredible pain’ he felt following the heartbreaking race.
Speculation has been rife that Hamilton could sensationally quit the sport after being pipped by Verstappen.
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But Hamilton has hinted he is set for a return to action in an Instagram post to his 26.8 million followers.
Sharing a snap of himself smiling by the Grand Canyon in the United States of America, the Arsenal fan simply said: “I’ve been gone. Now I’m back!”
Mercedes were quick to comment, as they messaged: “Welcome back.”
Hamilton’s upload comes after former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone declared he wouldn’t be returning following a conversation with his father.
Asked whether he had spoken to Hamilton, the 91-year-old told Blick: “No, but a few days ago with his father.
“I immediately felt that he wouldn’t answer a question about his son’s future. So we only talked about business!”
Before adding: “I don’t think he’s coming back. His disappointment is too big. And you can somehow understand it.
“Now it would be time to tackle his dream of becoming a fashion entrepreneur with seven world titles like Michael Schumacher.”
