Lewis Hamilton bid an emotional farewell to Mercedes after 12 remarkable years, concluding his tenure with a fourth-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Starting 16th on the grid, Hamilton showcased his trademark resilience, charging through the field in what marked the end of a record-breaking partnership with a team that delivered six of his seven Formula 1 world championships.
Reflecting on his final race with Mercedes, Hamilton acknowledged the challenges of the season but expressed pride in how it ended:
“It’s been a really turbulent year, probably the longest of my life. Knowing from the start I was leaving felt like being in a relationship where you’ve told someone you’re moving on but still share a home for a year. There were plenty of ups and downs, but we finished on a high today.”
The 39-year-old shared an intimate moment after the race, kneeling beside his car in quiet reflection:
“Every moment felt like one of the last. Stopping the car, I just wanted to embrace it. Representing Mercedes has been the greatest honor of my life. I’m so proud of everyone who made this journey possible.”
In true Hamilton style, he capped off his final outing with celebratory doughnuts on the pit straight, a fitting tribute to his historic tenure with the Silver Arrows.
A Historic Partnership
Hamilton’s 12-year collaboration with Mercedes stands as the most successful driver-team partnership in Formula 1 history. Together, they achieved 84 race wins, 153 podium finishes, and six drivers’ championships. Despite his incredible track record, the 2024 season proved challenging, with Hamilton securing just two race victories—his first since the controversial 2021 finale that cost him an eighth title.
Notably, tough weekends like Qatar, where he finished 12th, underscored the struggles faced by the team. Yet, Hamilton remained focused on the bonds forged during his time with Mercedes:
“The love and respect within this team have been unmatched. The board members who stood by me all these years reminded me today that I’ll always be part of the Mercedes family.”
A New Era for Mercedes
Hamilton’s departure marks the dawn of a new chapter for both parties. The Briton will join Ferrari in 2025, while Mercedes looks ahead with George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Reflecting on Hamilton’s impact, Russell shared:
“I’ve learned so much from Lewis, both as a driver and a person. He’s shown me what it means to be a role model, and those lessons will stay with me.”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also paid tribute to Hamilton’s legacy:
“These 12 years were built on trust, values, and attachment—things rare in today’s world. It’s a chapter we’ll treasure forever.”
As Hamilton embarks on a new phase of his career, his time at Mercedes will remain etched in the annals of F1 as one of the sport’s most iconic partnerships.
