Lewis Hamilton unfollows everyone on Instagram after F1 championship loss

Eliminating distractions ahead of next year or dropping off the radar?

Lewis Hamilton has seemingly unfollowed everyone on Instagram following his high-profile disappointment in this year's Formula 1 championship. The British racing star was on the verge of winning a record-breaking eighth Driver's Championship title, which would have taken him beyond legend Michael Schumacher, but was ultimately pipped to the post by Max Verstappen in one of the most divisive races in F1 history. The race itself ended in the most complex and controversial circumstances, with many feeling as though Hamilton was robbed, but the title stands and the 24-year-old became the first Dutchman to ever win the title in the sport. Meanwhile, a quick glance at Hamilton's Instagram - which boasts over 26.3 million followers - and you can see that he no longer follows any account. Prior to this, the 36-year-old has long maintained a very vocal public and social media presence, raising awareness around important issues like racism and the Black Lives Matter movement, Covid-19 and the importance of face-coverings, as well as his passion for veganism. https://www.instagram.com/p/CXWSuQsqgbE/ Hamilton was recently knighted for his services to motorsports but his dedication to other causes is clear, however, this social media cull could signal multiple things. Perhaps this is just a PR thing and his team are taking full control of the account, as is often the case; maybe he is looking to step away from the spotlight a bit? He did hint at his Mercedes future and some even think retirement after Abu Dhabi. To be honest, our money is on that he is simply looking to eliminate all distractions ahead of a big charge for next season. We wouldn't go so far as to call it a comeback as Lewis Hamilton has never really gone away, but we fancy the man that has defined the sport for the better part of a decade to come back fighting in the New Year.

Related links

• Mercedes withdraw appeal to end Lewis Hamilton Abu Dhabi dispute
• Mikel Arteta claims he is not 'dictatorial' amid Aubameyang stand-off
• Stephen A. Smith 'exposes' Jake Paul and says 'he can't get away with lying' in viral video