Hamilton Jokes About Controversial Verstappen Crash in

Hamilton Jokes About Controversial Verstappen Crash in Mercedes Farewell…read more

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, recently competed in his final race for Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the end of an era for the legendary driver. As he transitioned to a new chapter in his career with Ferrari, a wave of tributes flooded in, celebrating his time with the team that helped him secure countless victories and titles. Hamilton’s final race for Mercedes was a highly emotional affair, not only for the British driver but also for the team and fans around the world.

One of the most poignant moments came from Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell, who took the opportunity to honor the veteran driver in a personal and unique way. Russell had a custom helmet designed for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that featured a touching illustration. The helmet depicted the two drivers together on track, alongside a childhood photo of Russell asking for Hamilton’s autograph, symbolizing the deep respect and admiration he has for his senior teammate. This tribute served as a reminder of the legacy Hamilton leaves behind, not only for Mercedes but for the entire sport.

As part of his farewell, the 39-year-old Hamilton also embarked on a special tour, visiting Mercedes’ sponsors and staff back at the team’s factory. While many expected him to attend the post-season tyre test with Ferrari in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton opted instead for this personal farewell tour, which allowed him to say his goodbyes to the people who had been with him throughout his iconic career at Mercedes. This choice to remain with his old team showed his strong connection to Mercedes and the memories he had created there.

In addition to his farewell tour, Hamilton received an unexpected but heartfelt tribute during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, one of the most iconic venues in the F1 calendar. Mercedes arranged a surprise event for their departing star, where Hamilton was given the opportunity to drive some of the most famous cars in his career. Sky Sports captured the event, which was broadcast during the Abu Dhabi GP weekend. Hamilton took to the track in the 2013, 2014, and 2018 Mercedes cars—each a significant part of his journey with the team. The 2014 and 2018 cars were particularly special, as they were the vehicles that helped Hamilton secure his World Drivers’ Championships, adding an extra layer of nostalgia and significance to the day.

As Hamilton and former F1 driver Martin Brundle drove these iconic machines around the Silverstone track, Brundle, who had been a key figure in F1 commentary and analysis for years, expressed his admiration for Mercedes’ dominance. Reflecting on the sheer performance and agility of the cars, he commented, “It’s so obedient, I’m sure when you’re pushing hard and you’ve got Max on your tail… How you guys go side by side in Copse, I have no idea.” This remark was a subtle nod to one of the most infamous moments in recent F1 history—Hamilton’s 2021 crash with Max Verstappen at Silverstone.

That crash, which occurred during the British Grand Prix in 2021, was one of the most talked-about incidents in recent F1 history. The collision, which saw Verstappen crash into the barriers at high speed, was a defining moment in the championship battle between the two drivers. Verstappen was sent hurtling into the wall at around 180 mph, an incident that left the Dutch driver shaken and led to a significant amount of controversy. The crash only fueled the growing rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen, with both drivers exchanging words on and off the track throughout the remainder of the season.

In the years since the incident, Verstappen has spoken openly about the lasting impact the crash had on him. Despite the physical recovery from the crash, Verstappen has admitted that the mental toll was significant, adding another layer of intensity to his already fierce rivalry with Hamilton. However, during a light-hearted conversation at Silverstone, Hamilton took the opportunity to joke about the incident, saying, “It doesn’t always work out as you know!” His playful remark, though lighthearted, was a reminder of the tension that had existed between the two drivers in their battle for supremacy in F1.

Hamilton’s farewell from Mercedes marks the end of one of the most successful partnerships in F1 history. His time with the team has been filled with triumph, but also moments of drama and controversy, particularly in his rivalry with Verstappen. As Hamilton moves on to a new chapter with Ferrari, the F1 world will undoubtedly be watching with anticipation to see what the future holds for one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport. Whether he can add to his legacy with Ferrari remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of Formula 1.