Hamilton ‘took a minute’ to find bearings in Abu Dhabi F1 return

Lewis Hamilton admits he “took a minute” to find his bearings as he made his Formula 1 return at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion has recovered from his COVID-19 diagnosis, completing a number of negative tests in order to be allowed to race at Yas Marina.

Despite only getting the green light on Thursday afternoon, Hamilton settled straight back into his title-winning Mercedes W11, finishing a couple of tenths shy of team-mate Valtteri Bottas in second practice.

Speaking after his Friday running, Hamilton said it had felt like the “first day back at school”.

“I was very, very happy and grateful this morning, just to be back here,” Hamilton told Sky F1. “And, obviously to be able to try and finish off the season strong, I was super excited.

“It felt like a first day back to school kind of thing. So it definitely took a minute to get back used to it for the first session, and then the second one, I think [I was] still getting my bearings, but not too bad.

“I think we got through most of the stuff we missed out in the 40 minute session [stop when his brakes were being fixed] at the start of the day, but otherwise got most of the stuff done.”

Having already sealed the drivers’ championship in Turkey last month, Hamilton insists there is no pressure for him to perform this weekend, but intends to enjoy the final race of the 2020 season.

“I just want to come here and enjoy it this weekend and enjoy what I do,” he said. “It’s been a huge amount of work from everyone back at the factories, and it’s been a privilege to race with them this year.

“So we don’t have anything to prove this weekend. I don’t feel like I have anything to prove. Just here to have some fun.”

Asked if it had been a strange feeling to see George Russell driving his Mercedes last time out in Bahrain, Hamilton complemented the performance of his fellow Briton.

“I think George did an amazing job, and I think everyone knows that. I think it was definitely odd. And from my 27 years of racing, I’ve never missed a race. So yeah, one day, I’ll write a book about it. But as I said, I’m just grateful to be back.”