End of an Era: Lewis Hamilton Bids Emotional Farewell to Mercedes....

End of an Era: Lewis Hamilton Bids Emotional Farewell to Mercedes…read more.

Lewis Hamilton concluded his illustrious 12-year tenure with Mercedes at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, marking a poignant chapter in Formula 1 history. The 39-year-old racing legend is set to join Ferrari in 2025, but his final race with Mercedes left an indelible mark. Starting from a challenging 16th position due to a qualifying mishap, Hamilton showcased his exceptional talent by finishing fourth, reminding everyone of his prowess on the track.

After a qualifying incident left a bollard lodged under his car, Hamilton’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He skillfully maneuvered through the field, overtaking his teammate George Russell on the last lap, reinforcing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest drivers. “We dreamed a lot, but together we believed,” Hamilton reflected post-race, expressing gratitude for the support and determination shared throughout his career with the team.

His time with Mercedes has been historic, yielding six drivers’ championships, eight constructors’ titles, 84 race wins, 78 pole positions, and 153 podium finishes. Overall, Hamilton boasts an impressive 105 wins, including a championship with McLaren in 2008, all powered by Mercedes engines.

Team principal Toto Wolff praised Hamilton’s final performance, calling it “the drive of a world champion,” and assured him that he will always be part of the Mercedes family. “Lewis, we’ll always be cheering for you when we can’t win ourselves,” he said, emphasizing the lasting connection between the driver and the team.

Hamilton admitted that saying goodbye to Mercedes was more challenging than he anticipated. “It’s a beautiful day but also a very strange feeling,” he shared, highlighting the gratitude he feels for the journey they undertook together. During the race, he reflected on the significance of the phrase “hammer time,” realizing it would be the last time he would hear it, which deepened the emotional weight of the moment.

Hamilton’s farewell was characterized by mutual respect and camaraderie, as he embraced race winner Lando Norris, who celebrated McLaren’s first constructors’ title in 26 years. The sight of Hamilton in Ferrari colors