Hamilton said he was proud and fully focused on this year during the launch at Silverstone yesterday of Mercedes's new car, the W15, which he believes will represent a step forward for the team.
His decision to leave shocked the team he joined in 2013 and with whom he has taken six of his seven Formula One world championships.
Speaking publicly for the first time since then, the 39-year-old observed it was a moment of some resonance.
"It's been emotional, it's very surreal to be here," the British driver said. "I came here in 2013, 11 years with the team, this is the start of my 12th. It is such a privilege to work with people to see the work they're doing over the winter." Hamilton insisted he remained fully committed to Mercedes and was proud of the efforts they had made during the close season. "The focus through the whole of winter training is getting the team back to where we once were," he said.
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