Why Hamilton opted against celebratory social media posts during tough winter

Lewis Hamilton claims his lack of recognition shown towards his recent accolades on social media was due to his awareness of current global issues.

Hamilton was knighted as part of the New Year's Honours' list whilst he also picked up the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Most recently, the 36-year-old secured a new contract with Mercedes.

The British driver, however, opted not to acknowledge any of the above on his social media accounts, pointing instead to the current social climate as a reason to avoid celebrate smaller accomplishments.

"I think it is kind of a shut-off from the end of the year, taking time away for myself," said Hamilton, who sustained Covid-19 towards the end of last year. "It wasn't the easiest of breaks.

"I continue to be conscious of what is going on in the world and posting pictures and celebrating things such as a contract being signed is not really important to me.

"It is not really a message I want to be sending out to people who are losing families and relatives, who are still struggling in the pandemic. That is not where I am at.

"So I just kind of kept to myself and focused on my recovery because it wasn't a quick situation, getting myself back to full strength, getting the deal done and working on some personal relationships that I have."

Despite being one of only three drivers to test positive for the virus within the confines of the F1 calendar last year, Hamilton has rebuked any suggestions that he will need to adapt his approach to the schedule this season.

"That has not really been discussed and I don't really know what I could be doing differently," he said of the changing personal Covid contingency plans.

"Of course, safety is going to be key and of course, I do not want to miss a single race this year.

"I think 99.8 per cent of last year was pretty spot on in terms of how we conducted ourselves. We were just really, really unlucky.

"It is difficult to be 100 per cent safe but there will be, I would imagine, reduced travelling, a lot of time at home, a small bubble, like everyone else is working on.

"That is it for now but I will co-ordinate with the team over what is the best way forwards."

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