The seven-time world champion had not spoken publicly or posted on his social media accounts for nearly two months in the wake of last year’s contentious Abu Dhabi Grand💞 Prix. 

Hamilton had dominated the 2021 season finale and looked on course to win both the race and the ti🌌tle until a late Safety Car period dramatically swu꧙ng the destiny of the world championship in Max Verstappen’s favour. 

Having p🎀itted for fresh tyres under the Safety Car, the Red Bull driver overtook Hamilton on the final lap of the Y🍸as Marina race to clinch his maiden world title. 

The events of the closing stages of the race are being investigated as part of ongo🌄ing FIA review which is looking at the decision-making of race director Michael Masi, who has come under intense scrutiny for failing to apply the correct Saf♊ety Car procedures. 

Asideꦉ from making an appearance at Windsor Castle to formally receive his knighthood days after his title defeat and a visit to Mercedes’ factory inꩵ December, Hamilton has kept a very low profile. 

But Hamilton finally broke his silence on social media with a short post on Saturday evening, his fi🅰rst since after qualifying in Abu Dhabi on December 11. 

“I’ve been gone. Now I’m back!” Hamilton wr🐓ote alongside a picture of himself at the Grand Canyon, smiling at the ca🐎mera.

It has been reported that the 37-year-old has been considering whethe♒r🐼 to continue racing in F1 this season, despite holding a two-year contract with Mercedes. 

Hamilton is expected to be present at Mercedes’ laun🧸ch of its 2022 car at Silverstone on February 18, a week before pre-season testing is due to get underway in Spain.