<p>Lewis Hamilton insisted Friday he never said he was going to quit Formula One despite the traumatic end to his 2021 world championship campaign.</p>.<p>The British driver, 37, was speaking for the first time since he lost the championship in controversial circumstances to Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi on December 12.</p>.<p>"I never ever said I was going to stop," said seven-time champion Hamilton at the launch of the 2022 Mercedes car.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/formula-1/michael-masi-removed-as-f1-race-director-over-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-management-1082569.html" target="_blank">Michael Masi removed as F1 race director over Abu Dhabi Grand Prix management</a></strong></p>.<p>"I love doing what I do, and it is such a privilege working with this large group of people and you feel like you are part of a family. There is nothing quite like it."</p>.<p>Reflecting on the moments after the Yas Marina race, Hamilton, who appeared alongside new team-mate George Russell and team boss Toto Wolff, added: "It was a difficult time for me and a time where I needed to take a step back and focus on the present.</p>.<p>"I had my family all around me and creating great memories."</p>.<p>"I eventually got to a point where I decided I would be attacking again coming into another season and working with Toto and George."</p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos:</strong></p>
<p>Lewis Hamilton insisted Friday he never said he was going to quit Formula One despite the traumatic end to his 2021 world championship campaign.</p>.<p>The British driver, 37, was speaking for the first time since he lost the championship in controversial circumstances to Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi on December 12.</p>.<p>"I never ever said I was going to stop," said seven-time champion Hamilton at the launch of the 2022 Mercedes car.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/formula-1/michael-masi-removed-as-f1-race-director-over-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-management-1082569.html" target="_blank">Michael Masi removed as F1 race director over Abu Dhabi Grand Prix management</a></strong></p>.<p>"I love doing what I do, and it is such a privilege working with this large group of people and you feel like you are part of a family. There is nothing quite like it."</p>.<p>Reflecting on the moments after the Yas Marina race, Hamilton, who appeared alongside new team-mate George Russell and team boss Toto Wolff, added: "It was a difficult time for me and a time where I needed to take a step back and focus on the present.</p>.<p>"I had my family all around me and creating great memories."</p>.<p>"I eventually got to a point where I decided I would be attacking again coming into another season and working with Toto and George."</p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos:</strong></p>