Mercedes share Hamilton tribute in emotional farewell with .....

Mercedes share Hamilton tribute in emotional farewell with …read more

Mercedes has paid a heartfelt tribute to Lewis Hamilton’s time with the team, reflecting on his career and the legacy of the late Formula 1 icon, Niki Lauda. The tribute comes as Hamilton prepares to make the significant move to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 F1 season, bringing an end to a remarkable 12-year partnership with Mercedes that produced an incredible 14 world titles in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.

Hamilton’s association with Mercedes began in 2013 when he joined the team at a crucial point in its history. At that time, Mercedes was still in the early stages of its journey as a works Formula 1 team. The partnership between Hamilton and the team was fostered by Toto Wolff, the team principal, and Lauda, the three-time world champion who was working as a non-executive chairman of the team. It was Lauda’s swift action that helped bring Hamilton to Mercedes, especially after the news that Michael Schumacher would be retiring from F1 for a second time.

At the time of Hamilton’s arrival, Mercedes was still establishing itself as a dominant force in F1, but with the guidance of figures like Wolff and Lauda, the team quickly rose to prominence. Over the next decade, Hamilton would go on to win 84 Grand Prix races with Mercedes, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest drivers. Throughout his time with the team, he developed strong, lasting bonds with key members of the Mercedes F1 family, including Lauda, Wolff, and his race engineer, Peter Bonnington.

Lauda, who had been battling health issues for several years, tragically passed away in 2019 at the age of 70. His death marked a deep loss not only for the Mercedes team but for the entire Formula 1 community. In honor of Lauda, Hamilton, along with other F1 drivers like Sebastian Vettel, wore special tribute helmets during the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix. Hamilton, in particular, frequently spoke about Lauda’s immense influence on his career, noting how Lauda’s guidance and advice had shaped his development as a driver and person.

In a touching gesture, Mercedes shared a poignant post on social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), reflecting on Hamilton’s journey with the team. The post included a photo showing Hamilton with Lauda early in his time with Mercedes, as well as an image of Hamilton in his final race with the team, touching Lauda’s iconic red cap, which had been proudly displayed in the Mercedes garage. The post was accompanied by the heartfelt message: “From the very start of Lewis’ journey at Mercedes, to the very end, Niki is always with us.”

This tribute from Mercedes underscores not only Hamilton’s incredible achievements with the team but also the deep emotional connection between Hamilton and Lauda. Despite Lauda’s passing, his influence on both Hamilton and the team remains a guiding force, shaping the trajectory of Mercedes’ success in Formula 1. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will undoubtedly mark the end of an era for Mercedes, but it also signifies the continuation of his legacy as one of the most successful and respected drivers in the history of the sport.

The tribute highlights how Lauda, even after his passing, continues to be a central figure in the Mercedes team’s history. His role in bringing Hamilton to the team and his mentorship during Hamilton’s early years at Mercedes helped lay the foundation for the team’s dominance in the sport. As Hamilton prepares to take on a new challenge with Ferrari, his time with Mercedes, and the memory of Lauda’s contributions, will remain an integral part of his remarkable career.

This emotional farewell is a testament to the lasting impact of both Hamilton and Lauda on Mercedes and the wider Formula 1 community. The bond between Hamilton and Lauda was one built on mutual respect, shared success, and a passion for the sport, and it is clear that Lauda’s legacy will continue to inspire Hamilton and the entire Mercedes team long after the two men have parted ways.