Lewis Hamilton has ended his social media silence following the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Hamilton, 37, seemed set to win an eighth world F1 title when he led comfortably in the closing stages at the Yas Marina, only for a crash to Williams driver Nicholas Latifi to ultimately cost the Mercedes man dear.
With a safety car deployed, race director Michael Masi proceeded to alter his original instructions to drivers in a bid to speed up the procedure, which gifted Max Verstappen the chance to overtake him on the finally lap and deny him what would have been an unprecedented eighth world crown.
In the intermediate aftermath of the drama, Hamilton reacted magnanimously, opting to congratulate Verstappen and thank his team and fans as opposed to complaining about the outcome.
However, after two Mercedes protests over what transpired were dismissed, Hamilton then boycotted the annual FIA prize-giving gala in Paris the following week, and has maintained a public vow of silence since December 12.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has told reporters that Hamilton is "disillusioned" over the report, and the outcome of an ongoing FIA enquiry into what happened in Abu Dhabi is reportedly critical to his future in the sport.
He is yet to post on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram since the season-finale either, even unfollowing everyone on the latter platform.
However, he has now paired up with new team-mate George Russell to post a clip on Chinese social media site Weibo.
In a short video, Hamilton said: "I wish you a Happy Chinese New Year.
"May the New Year bring you good luck and everything you wish for."
Russell added: "Hi guys. I'd like to wish you a Happy Chinese New Year.
"I'm excited to join the AMG family and become part of the world's fastest family.
"See you soon and stay safe."
Hamilton participating in the post with Russell is the strongest indication yet he will be taking part in the 2022 campaign, with Mercedes set to reveal their new W13 car, and drivers, on February 18 - just five days before pre-season testing gets underway in Barcelona.
The 2022 season, which contains a record number of 23 races, gets underway with the first Grand Prix in Bahrain on March 20. Again, Abu Dhabi will provide the finale on November 20.
