Lewis Hamilton warns F1 rivals in huge retirement reveal

Lewis Hamilton has shut down rumours he will be retiring from F1 after sending a warning to his rivals that he is in the best shape of his career.

Hamilton has been very quiet since losing the F1 title to Red Bull's Max Verstappen in dramatic and controversial fashion when altered safety car rules allowed Red Bull rival Max Verstappen to seize the lead on the last lap of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

'WHAT A MESS': F1 world explodes over Michael Masi sacking

FRESH OUTRAGE: Explosive audio emerges in Hamilton F1 controversy

Rumours started to swirl the seven-time champion could call time on his illustrious career.

But, these rumours were rejected at Mercedes' new car launch on Friday when the British driver was back at his fighting best.

"If you think that what you saw at the end of the last year was my best, wait 'til you see this year," Hamilton said.

"I always feel like through these sorts of experiences, you can turn that emotion into strength, into power. That's what I'm doing."

Lewis Hamilton bidding for eighth F1 title

Hamilton's silence and team boss Toto Wolff's comment that the Briton was "disillusioned" had fanned speculation surrounding his future.

The British superstar said he often questioned at the end of each season if he had the passion to go on for one more season.

And Hamilton, who holds the record for most GP wins at 103, said he wouldn't let last year's finale 'define' his career.

"I think at the end of seasons you think and the question is whether you're willing to commit the time, the effort that it takes to be a world champion," he said.

"But of course this one was compounded by a significant factor.

"But I'm generally a very determined person and I like to think to myself, whilst moments like this might define someone's career, I refuse to let this define mine."

Hamilton also addressed the drama surrounding F1 stepping down race director Michael Masi.

The Australian race director had come under intense scrutiny after last season's season finale in Abu Dhabi, where his unconventional interpretation of safety car rules lead to a highly controversial finish.

And Hamilton welcomed the changes.

"I think accountability is key and we have to use this moment to make sure this never happens to anybody else in the sport ever again," he added.

with AAP

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.