Domenicali expects Hamilton to return ‘fully charged’

Stefano Domenicali viewed Lewis Hamilton’s return to social media as a highly encouraging sign for the 2022 Formula 1 campaign.

虽然汉密尔顿的文章组成的嗨的形象mself in the Grand Canyon and the words “I’ve been gone, now I’m back” was not an explicit statement about his future, that and a subsequent tweet fromMercedesinferred the Briton will be on the grid this season.

Speculation has swirled about whether the 37-year-old would return for a 16th F1 campaign since he embarked on a spell of public silence following the loss of his Drivers’ World Championship title in controversial circumstances at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.

Hamilton said over the team radio he thought the result, which ended withMax Verstappentaking victory and the title, had been “manipulated” – and Mercedes were furious at the management of the grand prix’s closing stages by race director Michael Masi.

But all the signals, that arepointing towards Hamilton having banished any thoughts of retirementand coming back for a crack at a record-breaking eighth F1 title, are giving off the right vibes as far as the sport’s CEO, Domenicali, is concerned.

I’ve been gone. Now I’m back!pic.twitter.com/Y8i0cgJXZq

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton)February 5, 2022

“I saw the last picture was a light of positivity on his face and his gesture,” said the Italian during an interview with Sky F1.

“I think that is important because Lewis is an incredible asset, not only for our sport but for the world.”

Regarding Hamilton’s decision to step out of the spotlight since Abu Dhabi, perhaps to take stock and decide what he wanted from his immediate future, Domenicali said he completely understood it – and believes the seven-time World Champion will be ready for what lies ahead in 2022 with the new F1 regulations.

“There was a total respect on his choice to be on silent mode,” said the former Ferrari team principal. “I think he will be fully charged for the start of the season.

“Lewis has in front of him a possibility to be an eight-time World Champion. So I’m sure he is totally focused on these objectives because this year there will be so many new things, so many variables, that will allow this championship to be so attractive.”

Mercedes have scheduled their pre-season launch event for Friday February 18, so we are only 10 days off hearing from Hamilton, in all likelihood, and his new team-mate George Russell, while seeing at least something of the all-new W13.