I'm going to hold your hand”: Mercedes director shares heartening tribut...

“I’m going to hold your hand”: Mercedes director shares heartening tribut….read more

After over a decade with the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team, legendary British driver Lewis Hamilton is set to join Ferrari in 2025. As Hamilton’s tenure with the German team comes to an end, several Mercedes team members have expressed their gratitude and fondness for one of the sport’s greatest talents.

Lewis Hamilton joined the newly formed Mercedes team in 2013, replacing the iconic Michael Schumacher. At the time, Hamilton was already an F1 champion, having won the title with McLaren. He was eager to add more victories and championships to his name with the Mercedes squad.

The partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes proved to be incredibly successful. During the ‘Turbo Hybrid’ era that began in 2014, the duo dominated the sport, winning six Drivers’ and eight consecutive Constructors’ titles from 2014 to 2021. Hamilton’s individual achievements with Mercedes were equally impressive, as he secured 84 Grand Prix wins, 78 pole positions, and 153 podium finishes.

However, in recent seasons, Mercedes has struggled to keep pace with its rivals, including Red Bull Racing and Ferrari. This shift in competitiveness has led Hamilton to make the decision to join the Maranello-based team in 2025, where he will have the opportunity to challenge for his eighth Drivers’ title.

As Hamilton’s 11-year tenure with Mercedes comes to an end, several team members have shared heartfelt tributes and messages of gratitude. One such individual is Victoria Johnson, the marketing operations director at Mercedes.

In a recent podcast, Johnson spoke about her fondest memory of working with Hamilton. She shared a heartwarming message, saying, “I’m going to hold your hand.” This simple yet powerful statement reflects the deep connection and support that the Mercedes team has had for their star driver over the years.

The team’s boss, Toto Wolff, also expressed his appreciation for Hamilton’s contributions to the team. After the final race of the 2024 season in Abu Dhabi, Wolff shared a heartfelt message for the seven-time world champion on the team radio, conveying the team’s gratitude and well-wishes as Hamilton embarks on a new chapter in his illustrious career.

Despite finishing the 2024 season in seventh place in the Drivers’ championship and Mercedes ending up fourth in the Constructors’ table, Hamilton’s legacy with the team remains undiminished. His achievements and impact on the sport have cemented his status as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time.

As Hamilton prepares to join Ferrari, the Mercedes team and the wider motorsport community will undoubtedly miss his presence and the unparalleled success he brought to the German team. However, the heartfelt tributes and messages of support from his former colleagues serve as a testament to the profound impact Hamilton has had on the sport and the people he has worked with over the course of his remarkable career.