MERCEDES have finally confirmed Lewis Hamilton’s return after an off-season rife with retirement rumours.
Formula 1 figures including Bernie Ecclestone thought that the 37-year-old would call it a day after his controversial world title defeat to Max Verstappen in December.
’
Following events in Abu Dhabi, amid calls for FIA race director Michael Masi to be relieved of his duties, Hamilton went quiet – taking a break from social media and life in the public eye.
But he got fans talking earlier this month by tweeting ‘I’ve been gone. Now I’m back!’ in a post retweeted over 80,000 times.
And as Mercedes gear up for their new car launch this Friday, they have provided fans with Hamilton content on social media.
One post features the perennial champion standing with his head bowed, ahead of a backdrop featuring a black and white Union Jack.
It’s captioned: “Year 16. ”
This season is set to be Hamilton’s 16th in Formula 1, having started with McLaren in 2007.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
Hamilton is chasing an eighth world title, which would take him ahead of current joint-record holder Michael Schumacher.
Mercedes have also posted content featuring the Brit’s new team-mate – compatriot George Russell.
The 24-year-old appears in a video undergoing a seat fit at Mercedes HQ.
But what really got fans’ attention was the appearance of Hamilton towards the end of the clip.
The Merc veteran fist bumps Russell and chats with his new pal.
All F1 teams are set to be in Barcelona next week as they test their new cars at an untelevised event.
More formal testing will then take place in Bahrain between March 10-12, with fans present and broadcasters able to show the action.
The new season will then get underway at the same location a week later.
