Hamilton maintained a strict social media silence after the Abu Dhabi Grand Pr🐓ix following his dramatic title defeat to Max Verstappen.

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

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

“Well, I never ever said I was going to s꧋top,” 🐟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, part of a team working towards a common goal.

“There’s no 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 entirely ne🔴w regulatಞions for this season which should even the playing field, Hamilton admitted he’s put the disappointment 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 and bring his energy. I can already feel that through🤡out the team and I think it’s going to🌄 be an exciting season.”

Hamilton and new teammate George Russell will get the opportunity tꦗo drive the W13 for the first time in a shakedown at Silverstone o✃n Friday.