Hamilton WILL attend Mercedes W13 launch

Lewis Hamilton will attend the Mercedes W13 launch on February 18.

The seven-time F1 world champion only ended his social media hiatus last week having taken a step into the shadows since the controversial season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he missed out on a record-breaking eighth crown to Max Verstappen.

In the aftermath of the event, team principal Toto Wolff cast doubt over Hamilton's continuation in the sport, such was the 'disillusionment' felt by team and driver.

Whilst confirmation over Hamilton's participation is understood to come after the findings of the FIA's inquiry into race director Michael Masi's processes during the race and the events that subsequently followed during the race at Yas Marina, a Mercedes launch schedule has included the Briton in proceedings.

The launch will showcase Mercedes' solution to F1's radically altered regulations that are aimed at promoting closer, more exciting racing, with a shakedown also taking place at Silverstone.

Pre-season testing begins on February 23 in Barcelona, with the first race in Bahrain taking place on March 20.