Lewis Hamilton has delivered a powerful statement about his Formula 1 future, insisting he has rediscovered his belief and remains hungry for success.
A lack of competitiveness and ongoing struggles with the car left the seven-time world champion visibly frustrated across his debut season at Ferrari.
However, speaking ahead of the new campaign, the 41-year-old made it clear that his fire still burns.
“I’m re-set and refreshed. I’m not going anywhere, so stick with me,” he said in a social media post.
“For a moment, I forgot who I was, but thanks to you and your support you’re not going to see that mindset again.
“I know what needs to be done. This is going to be one hell of a season. I’ve given everything to be here today. Let’s go team!!!”
Ferrari testing brings cautious optimism
The Italian team showed encouraging signs during pre-season testing, raising hopes amongst the tifosi that a title challenge could finally be within reach.
Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese believes the key will be machinery.
“I always said the turning point would be to give Lewis Hamilton a good car to compete to win races and maybe the championship,” Patrese said, speaking to talkSPORT BET Slots Site.
“If this is the case, I think Lewis can be competitive and win races and maybe the championship.
“Ferrari went well at the end of the test. For our tifosi, it’s good, but many times they have shown they are very good at the beginning in testing and then nothing happens in the season.
“So, we have to check everything and wait and see.”
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Refreshed Hamilton good for F1
Hamilton’s renewed mindset has also been welcomed by Patrese, who admitted he felt sympathy for the Briton during his struggles last year.
“It’s good news though that Lewis has this. If he is positive now after last year, which was horrible – just to see Lewis feeling better about himself is good news for the sport,” he added.
“Because last year I felt a little bit sorry for him, because you could see that he was suffering in the situation, not being competitive and not finding the right solutions with the car to improve things.
“I repeat: if Ferrari can provide a good car to him, I think we can see still a very good Lewis in the battle.”
Leclerc’s title hunger adds intrigue
With team-mate Charles Leclerc also desperate to secure his first world title, Ferrari’s internal dynamic could be fascinating.
“At the moment, Charles Leclerc still has that anger because he hasn’t won the championship yet, which he and many people had expected,” Patrese said.
“He really is desperate to be a world champion.
“He is in the right mood if he has the right car and can clash with Max Verstappen.”
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Geoffrey H. Latayan 
SportJustSport writers 
Simon Wilkes