Lewis Hamilton Bids Emotional Farewell to Mercedes After Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton described his 12-year journey with Mercedes as the “greatest honor of my life” after completing his final race for the team at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The seven-time champion finished fourth in a remarkable drive from 16th on the grid, marking an emotional end to a record-breaking partnership.

After the race at Yas Marina Circuit, Hamilton knelt beside his car to reflect. “When I stopped the car, I just wanted to embrace the moment because it’s the last time I’m going to step into a Mercedes and represent them,” he said. “It’s been really hard to let go. I’m proud of every race, every pole position, every win we’ve had together, every championship.”

Hamilton leaves Mercedes having won six of his seven titles and 84 races with the team. Next year, he will join Ferrari, marking a significant new chapter in his career.

A Season of Challenges and Transitions

The past few years have been turbulent for Hamilton and Mercedes. Since the controversial end to the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which denied him an eighth title, the team has struggled under new regulations introduced in 2022.

Despite improvements, the car remained inconsistent this year, making Hamilton’s farewell season particularly challenging.

Reflecting on the year, Hamilton said, “It’s been a really turbulent year, probably the longest year of my life. It’s like a relationship when you’ve told someone you’re leaving, but you’re still living together. Lots of ups and downs emotionally, but we finished off with a high today.”

McLaren’s Milestone Victory

While Hamilton’s farewell dominated headlines, Lando Norris secured McLaren’s first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years with a commanding victory at Abu Dhabi.

Norris drove flawlessly from pole position to the checkered flag, overcoming challenges, including a collision that eliminated teammate Oscar Piastri on the first lap.

“Today was a very special day for all of us,” Norris said. “Winning the championship for the first time in 26 years is something we’re incredibly proud of. Delivering that for the team has put the biggest smile on everyone’s face.”

A New Journey with Ferrari

Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes, announced in February, has been a season-long farewell. The transition to Ferrari marks the start of a fresh pursuit for the elusive eighth world title.

At the season’s final race, Hamilton sported outfits symbolizing his transition—greyish white on Friday, silver with red on Saturday, and full Ferrari red on Sunday.

Fans celebrated the gesture, with one commenting on social media, “Artist Sir Lewis, storytelling through clothing, very cool!”

Hamilton summed up his gratitude to Mercedes in a heartfelt radio message to race engineer Peter Bonnington and team principal Toto Wolff: “We dreamed alone but together, we believed. Thank you for all the courage, determination, and passion for seeing me and supporting me. What started as a leap of faith turned into a journey into the history books.”

Overcoming Challenges in His Final Race

Starting 16th after a tough qualifying session, Hamilton faced early struggles during the race, reporting over the radio, “I’ve got no pace, mate.”

Yet, strategic tire choices allowed him to climb steadily through the field. In the final laps, Hamilton overtook teammate George Russell to secure fourth place.

After crossing the finish line, Hamilton performed celebratory donuts before stepping out of his car for the last time as a Mercedes driver. He crouched beside it and patted the machine that had carried him to so many victories.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised his performance: “That was the drive of a world champion.”

Reflecting on a Historic Partnership

Hamilton leaves Mercedes as part of Formula 1’s most successful driver-team pairing. With six world championships and countless records under their belt, the partnership’s legacy is unmatched.

Looking ahead, Hamilton will continue his quest for an eighth title with Ferrari in 2025. Reflecting on the journey so far, he said, “Representing Mercedes has been the greatest moment of my life. I’m proud of everyone who powered and built the car. It’s been a privilege.”

As Hamilton transitions to Ferrari, his fans and the racing world eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the career of one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers.