Lewis Hamilton believes that new regulations in the 2022 Formula 1 season will make it the most exciting ever. Speaking after testing at Barcelona on Wednesday, the seven-time world champion further said that he feels re-energized after the disappointment of losing the title to Max Verstappen on the last lap of the last race of the 2021 season.

The F1 drivers pretested their revamped cars in Barcelona. New regulations were introduced this season to try to make the series more competitive. Hamilton was fifth-fastest with Mercedes on a day led by Lando Norris of McLaren. Verstappen was ninth-fastest with Red Bull.

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Talking after the pretesting, Hamilton said, “I feel the freshest that I ever have. Of course, there are so many different ways you can re-focus and get re-centered, and I would say this (break) was one of the best I’ve ever experienced.”

The Mercedes driver had gone off social media and did not make a public appearance after the final race of the 2021 season. He said he regrouped by spending time with his loved ones in what he called “the best period of time I’ve actually ever had with my family.”

“It was definitely more about being present and in the moment, and creating memories. I know sometimes in life, we get so focused and stuck into certain things like work that we forget to do those things. So it was a great time, just refreshing with the family,” the 37-year-old said. 

Hamilton skipped the mandatory post-race news conference and also didn’t go to the season-ending gala. He had made just one public appearance a few days after the race when receiving his knighthood at Windsor Castle.

Back in the paddock in Barcelona on Wednesday, Hamilton said he was fully motivated again.

“This morning, arriving and looking down the pit lane and seeing all the different cars, I think it’s one of the most exciting and interesting seasons that I’ve ever embarked upon,” he said. “It will be interesting to see where everyone comes out and where we stand in the first race.”

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F1 has undergone one of its most significant regulations chances this season to try to improve racing. New aerodynamic and tire requirements are in place to hopefully allow drivers to race closer together and increase the number of overtakes.

“I’ve seen the designs of our car over several months, but now to see everyone’s car out there, you’re trying to get a close eye to see what is different, if there is anything,” Hamilton said. “So I think it’s the most exciting (year), and again, you have absolutely no idea where you stand.”

There will be two more days of testing in Barcelona on Thursday and Friday. Three more sessions are scheduled for March 10-12 in Bahrain ahead of the season-opener on March 20.

With inputs from the associated press