Hamilton backs Latifi: 'We need to keep the pressure on'

Mercedes left Lewis Hamilton's future in the open for months, but this week the Briton returned to his team. He is keen to still take his eighth world title next season, although he could not avoid being asked questions about last year as well.

Hamilton was in full battle with Max Verstappen in 2021. In the last Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, he seemed to have the race under control until Nicholas Latifi threw a spanner in the works. Latifi crashed hard into the wall, after which a safety car followed and Verstappen passed Hamilton on the last lap. It caused a lot of anger for the seven-time world champion.

Hamilton supports Latifi

Hamilton's fans could not suppress their anger either. It even resulted in death threats to Latifi, behavior Hamilton disapproves of. "We still have to apply pressure for them [social media platforms] to make changes," he announced at the press conference which was attended by GPBlog. "Mental health is a real thing, through social platforms people are experiencing abuse that nobody deserves."

The Briton emphasises having been in contact with Latifi on several occasions. "I was in touch with Nicholas, he has my full support, I know how difficult it can be in those situations. It’s important for him to know he has support from people around him. On the other side, you can see there’s so much passion that makes this sport great. We have to channel that in a positive way, not a negative." Hamilton added. 

Hamilton's return

The driver was silent for two months after his defeat in Abu Dhabi. Mercedes claimed that Hamilton was having doubts about his future and therefore there was a chance that he had driven his last race. The opposite appeared to be true, however, as this week the Briton showed up in public again and appeared to be fully ready for the new season.

On Friday morning, Mercedes unveiled its new car. Unlike Red Bull Racing, which is holding its cards close to its chest for now, the German team has already revealed some of the main features of the W13. Partly due to the new regulations that apply in Formula 1 this season, there are a number of new things to discover on the car.

Return of Hamilton

The driver was silent for two months after the defeat he suffered in Abu Dhabi, but is now ready to race again. On Friday morning Mercedes launched the new car. In contrast to Red Bull Racing, which is holding the cards against their chest for the time being, the German racing stable already showed some major features of the W13. Partly due to the new regulations that apply in Formula 1 this season, there are a number of new things to discover in the car.