Hamilton maintained a strict social media silence after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix following his dramatic titl♔e defea🔯t to Max Verstappen.

The seven-time F1 champion made no public response to what happened at the Yas Marina Circuit and t🎀he circumstances in which he lost the title.

Making his first public appearance since Abu Dhabi, Hamilton admittꦫed he needed to take a step back over the winter.

“Well, I never ever said I was going to stop,” Hamilton said ahead of the launch of the W13. “I love doing what I do and it’s such a privilege working with this large group of people when you really feel you’re part of a family, partജ of a team working towards a common goal.

“There’s n✅o feeling quite like it. It was obviously a difficult time for me and it was a time where I really needed to take a step back, focus on being present so I had my family all around me and creating great moments.”

With F1 embarking on entirel🐼y new regulations for this season which should even the playing field, Hamilton admitted he’s put the disappoin♔tment of Abu Dhabi behind him and is ready to “be attacking again”.

“Eventually, I  got to a point where I decided I’m going to be attacking again coming into another season and working with Toto and George. It is exciting seeing George come in andꦕ bring his energy. I can already feel that throughout the team and I think it’s going to be an exciting season.”

Hamilton and new teammate George Russell will get the opportunity to drive the W13 for 🎐the firs🧔t time in a shakedown at Silverstone on Friday.