Hamilton's STUNNING Mercedes exit as star makes shock podium

Hamilton’s STUNNING Mercedes exit as star makes shock podium appearance……read more

The 2024 Formula 1 season came to a thrilling conclusion with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. The final race was packed with excitement and drama, providing a fitting end to an intense season. The McLaren team secured their first constructors’ championship since 1998, marking a significant achievement. Despite an early setback involving Max Verstappen, who took out Oscar Piastri in a risky move at Turn 1, Lando Norris managed to bring the car home in first place. This victory secured McLaren’s place at the top of the standings, capping off a memorable season for the team.

One of the key stories of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was Lewis Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes. The seven-time world champion may have failed to secure a podium finish, but he still put on a remarkable performance. Hamilton started the race far down the grid after a disappointing qualifying session, during which he encountered a bollard. However, as he has so often done in his illustrious career, Hamilton fought his way through the field to finish in P4, showing his skill and determination.

While Hamilton didn’t make it to the top three, he was still given a special send-off by the FIA. After the race, the Mercedes driver performed a series of celebratory doughnuts for the fans on the starting grid, giving a thrilling display of burnouts under the bright lights of the circuit. What initially seemed like a spontaneous celebration was actually part of a pre-arranged plan by the FIA. A special spot on the grid had been designated for Hamilton to perform the doughnuts, positioned next to the podium finishers. There was even a “celebratory doughnuts area” created for the occasion, ensuring a smooth and spectacular farewell for the Mercedes driver.

While Hamilton’s exit from Mercedes was a major talking point, another surprising moment from the Abu Dhabi GP was George Russell’s unexpected appearance on the podium. Russell finished the race in P5, just one position behind Hamilton, but following the race, he appeared on the podium in a scene that left fans puzzled. It was later revealed that Russell’s presence on the podium was part of the filming for an upcoming Formula 1 movie. The movie, which has generated significant buzz, stars Hollywood actor Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, and Russell was involved in filming a podium scene for the film. In the scene, Pitt’s character was seen standing at the top step of the podium, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also participating in the staged event. While Russell and Leclerc would undoubtedly have preferred to be part of the real podium ceremony, the movie scene added an intriguing layer to the event.

The film’s filming at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix added an unexpected twist to the season finale, as it became clear that the sport was embracing its growing relationship with Hollywood. The presence of Brad Pitt and the involvement of actual F1 drivers in the movie’s production reflected the increasing crossover between motorsport and mainstream entertainment. For many fans, this behind-the-scenes glimpse of the filming process was an exciting distraction from the usual post-race routine.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix had a touch of everything, from high-speed drama on the track to emotional moments in the pit lane and on the podium. McLaren’s historic win, Hamilton’s fitting farewell, and the shock appearance of Russell on the podium all contributed to the spectacle. As the 2024 season draws to a close, the race serves as a reminder of the drama and unpredictability that Formula 1 always delivers.

In summary, the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a fitting end to a captivating season. McLaren’s first constructors’ title since 1998, Hamilton’s emotional farewell to Mercedes, and Russell’s appearance in the F1 movie all added memorable moments to the finale. The season’s conclusion marks the end of an era for some, while also setting the stage for exciting new developments in Formula 1 in the years to come. As fans look ahead to the future, they can take comfort in knowing that the drama and excitement of the sport will continue to captivate them season after season.