Breaking news:Lewis Hamilton Reflects on Final Race with Mercedes: “I Wanted to…read more
Lewis Hamilton Reflects on Final Race with Mercedes: “I Wanted to…read more
After a remarkable 12-year tenure at Mercedes, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has opened up about his emotions after completing his final race with the team at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The race marked the end of an era for Hamilton and Mercedes, a partnership that produced immense success and transformed the sport. Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes saw him deliver a spectacular recovery drive, a fitting way to bid farewell to the team that helped him achieve so much in his illustrious career.
The weekend started on a challenging note for Hamilton, as he faced an unexpected elimination in Q1. During his qualifying session, a loose bollard got stuck underneath the front wing of his W15, severely affecting his performance. Despite setting competitive sector times in the earlier parts of the lap, the obstruction caused him to lose significant time, especially in the final corners of the Yas Marina Circuit. As a result, Hamilton qualified 18th, a shocking setback for the seven-time world champion. However, thanks to grid penalties for Charles Leclerc and Alexander Albon, he was able to start from P16.
The race itself provided its own set of difficulties for Hamilton. He was the only driver to begin the 58-lap Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Pirelli’s hard compound tyres, a strategy that initially seemed risky, especially as the first stint didn’t go as smoothly as hoped. Hamilton struggled in the early stages of the race, unable to immediately make up positions or showcase the pace that he and the team had hoped for. Despite the challenges, Hamilton never gave up. He remained focused, kept pushing through, and stayed determined to get the best out of his car.
As the race progressed and Hamilton switched to the yellow-banded medium tyres, his fortunes started to change. With the car coming alive in free air, Hamilton began to demonstrate the kind of pace that has become synonymous with his career. His lap times improved significantly, allowing him to carve his way through the field. The standout moment of his race came on the final lap, when Hamilton executed a stunning overtaking move on his teammate, George Russell, to secure a remarkable fourth-place finish. Coming from P16 to P4 in the race was a testament to Hamilton’s relentless drive, his determination, and the raw talent that has propelled him to the top of the sport for over a decade.
Reflecting on his final race with Mercedes, Hamilton shared his thoughts with the media after the race. He described the first stint as particularly difficult, admitting that there were moments where he was uncertain about the outcome. “The first stint was really, really difficult. I wasn’t losing hope, but I was just like, ‘ah, it’s not going as well as I thought it would.’ But I just didn’t give up, kept pushing, ‘come on, we can get there,’” he said. “Switched onto the [medium] tyres, and the car came alive. But I had a massive gap to close, so I just focused on getting absolutely everything from the car and not giving up.”
Despite the challenges, Hamilton’s performance in Abu Dhabi allowed him to finish his Mercedes career on a high note. “To come through the field from P16 and make it back to P4 was awesome. I’m really happy with how my evening went and how the car felt. It was definitely a good way to end our time together!” he added.
After the race, the celebrations on the grid were a bittersweet moment. Hamilton performed celebratory donuts with his Mercedes team, marking the end of the most successful partnership in Formula 1 history. Yet, it was a quieter, more reflective moment that stood out to Hamilton as he took a moment to kneel next to his car. Asked about what was going through his mind during that time, Hamilton explained that he wanted to hold on to the emotions of the moment. “After the chequered flag, I was focused on just taking it all in, knowing that this was my last time in a Mercedes cockpit and savoring the emotions. I want to hold on to that moment, so I just sat there, contemplating everything we’ve been through together, all the ups and downs, and the success we’ve enjoyed.”
Hamilton’s bond with the team is clear, and his farewell to Mercedes was filled with gratitude and deep affection. “I can’t tell you how much I am going to miss this team. I’ve worked with them every day for the last 12 years, and there is so much love there. That won’t disappear, no matter that we will be racing each other on track next year,” he concluded.
As Hamilton prepares to embark on a new chapter in his career, his emotional departure from Mercedes serves as a reminder of the incredible impact he has had on both the team and the sport as a whole. With a legacy that includes seven world championships, countless victories, and a dominant era at Mercedes, Hamilton’s place in Formula 1 history is secure. The relationship with Mercedes may have come to an end, but the memories and success they shared will remain a significant part of Formula 1’s storied history.
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