Mercedes update quashes doubts over Hamilton's F1 future

A recent update from Mercedes would suggest that Lewis Hamilton has committed to continuing to race in Formula 1 in 2022, as he has been confirmed on the schedule for the launch of their new F1 car.

Hamilton's future has been in question ever since the events of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, losing out on an eighth Drivers' Championship after a controversial Safety Car decision that swung the title away from him and towards Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

Hamilton went into an extended hibernation in the aftermath, with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff unable to confirm whether his star driver would continue into the new era.

With the British driver recently returning to social media, fears have been allayed that he would leave the sport as Mercedes also confirmed he had returned to their factory in Brackley.

Mercedes are set to launch their brand new 2022 F1 car, the W13, on 18 February, and Hamilton has been named on the schedule – which all but confirms that the talismanic driver is set to continue his F1 career.

A busy launch day schedule for Mercedes

Mercedes' W13 launch includes Hamilton and new teammate George Russell on the list of scheduled appearances, as well as team boss Toto Wolff, Technical Director Mike Elliott and the Managing Director of Mercedes' engine department, Hywel Thomas.

"We'll be officially unveiling our first car for this new era, the Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 E Performance, on Friday February 18," read a statement from the team.

"Our new car will be unveiled in a digital launch presentation that will be broadcast live across our social media channels.

"The show will be streaming live from the Wing at Silverstone, where you'll be able to get the first look at the new W13 during the digital presentation.

"You'll also have the chance to hear from our 2022 drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, and our Team Principal and CEO, Toto Wolff."

The stream, which starts at 09:00 GMT, will go out on Mercedes' social media channels, as well as being streamed right here on RacingNews365.com.

Following the launch, the W13 will head out onto the Silverstone circuit for a shakedown, but Mercedes have not confirmed who will get an opportunity at the wheel.