Breaking: F1: Lewis Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes ahead of Abu Dhabi…read more.

F1: Lewis Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes ahead of Abu Dhabi…read more.

Lewis Hamilton is set to conclude an iconic chapter of his career as he prepares to say goodbye to Mercedes during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend. This marks the end of an extraordinary 12-year partnership with the team, a tenure that has seen him clinch six world championships and etch his name into the annals of Formula 1 history as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Hamilton’s participation in the race at Yas Marina signifies the culmination of a 26-year relationship with the Mercedes brand, during which he has achieved an impressive 84 race victories—potentially rising to 85 if he can secure one last win. His journey with Mercedes has been marked by remarkable accomplishments, including six drivers’ titles with the Silver Arrows. Looking ahead, Hamilton is set to embark on a new chapter with Ferrari in 2025, with hopes of rekindling the brilliance that once made him the sport’s most successful competitor.

The announcement of Hamilton’s departure came as a surprise to many within the Mercedes team last winter, and this current season has been overshadowed by his struggles to adapt to the new generation of ground-effect cars. Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing, led by Max Verstappen, has dominated the season, presenting a significant challenge to Hamilton’s ambition of securing an eighth world title. As the season draws to a close, teams like McLaren and Ferrari have also been vying for dominance, adding to the competitive landscape.

Despite the challenges encountered in recent times, Hamilton leaves Mercedes with a sense of pride and fond memories. Team principal Toto Wolff has spoken about the importance of Hamilton’s departure, highlighting the legacy left by the British driver. Wolff stated, “This is a celebration of everything we’ve achieved together. Lewis will always be a part of the Mercedes family.” The team is committed to honoring Hamilton’s remarkable journey in Abu Dhabi, with plans to commemorate their shared successes before visiting key locations in Kuala Lumpur, Stuttgart, Brixworth, and Brackley.

Wolff further emphasized that the focus remains on providing Hamilton with a memorable farewell. “Nothing can take away the incredible 12 years we’ve had together. Those memories are what we will cherish, rather than just the challenges of this season.” The acknowledgment of Hamilton’s contributions reflects the deep bond that