F1 plays down 'anxiety' over Hamilton's "silent mode"

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has played down his 'anxiety' over Lewis Hamilton's future across the winter and revealed he had "respect" for the seven-time champion's choice to "be in silent mode" over the winter.

Domenicali, however, believes the Mercedes driver will be "totally dedicated" in order to become the single most successful F1 driver in history with an eighth world title.

Hamilton posted to his social media channels last weekend, his first public engagement since the controversial ending to the 2021 world championship that saw Max Verstappen overtake the Briton on the final lap in Abu Dhabi.

With Hamilton seemingly allaying fears he would walk away from the sport, Sky Sports asked Domenicali how pleased he was to see his apparent return.

“From what I know and what I see, I saw the last picture of Lewis with the right positivity in his face and in his gesture and I think that is important because Lewis is an incredible asset not only for our sport but for the world," he replied.

“Lewis has in front of him a possibility to win for an eighth time the world championship. So I’m pretty sure that he is totally focused on this objective because this year there will be so many new things, so many new variables.

“This championship will be so attractive and going back once again to Lewis, I am sure that he is totally dedicated to making sure that he can really have his chance to be for the eighth time the world champion.”

Questioned if he had been anxious as to whether Hamilton would return, Domenicali added: "Discussion or what has happened in the last couple of weeks is part of the normal things that we do but not only with Lewis.

"There was a respect that it was Lewis’ choice to be in silent mode and I think that his battery will be fully charged for the start of the season.”

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