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Lewis Hamilton Requests Removal of Mercedes Farewell Tribute from His Car at Abu Dhabi Grand Pri

Lewis Hamilton has made a notable decision ahead of his final race with Mercedes, asking the team to remove a farewell tribute from his car during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion is set to part ways with Mercedes after an illustrious 12-year stint, which saw him claim six world titles and cement his place as one of the sport’s greatest drivers.

Hamilton’s departure from the team has been marked by several tributes throughout the season, acknowledging the remarkable success he and Mercedes have achieved together. One such tribute took place at Silverstone earlier this year, where Hamilton was given the chance to drive some of his former championship-winning cars. The team organized a special outing in the 2013, 2014, and 2018 iterations of the Mercedes, two of which helped him secure world titles during his dominant run.

However, in a more recent gesture, Mercedes introduced an inspirational message inside Hamilton’s cockpit at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The sticker, which read “Every team needs a dream,” was placed just beyond the steering wheel, in the area where Hamilton would see it frequently during the race. Despite the team’s good intentions, Hamilton requested the sticker be removed before the third practice session, feeling it was a distraction.

The sticker’s placement was at the bulkhead, right in Hamilton’s line of sight as he looked between the track, the steering wheel, and the dash display. Without a windscreen on the current Mercedes car, this positioning made the message more prominent and potentially obtrusive for the driver. Though it was meant to inspire, Hamilton decided it was better to have it taken off, likely to ensure full concentration during what will be an emotional and important final race with the team.

Mercedes commentator Ted Kravitz provided further insight into Hamilton’s request, explaining that the sticker was directly in the driver’s eyeline and could have been distracting. Kravitz also noted that the sticker remains on George Russell’s car, indicating that Russell had no issue with its placement. He joked that perhaps Russell’s sticker should be changed to reflect his ongoing tensions with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, playfully suggesting it could say, “Every action that happens needs somebody to get angry about it if it’s Max Verstappen.”

The humorous remark highlights the well-known rivalry between Russell and Verstappen, who have clashed on multiple occasions throughout the season. While Russell seemed unfazed by the tribute on his car, Hamilton’s decision to have it removed demonstrates his meticulous attention to detail as he prepares for his final outing with Mercedes.

Although Hamilton’s farewell from the team may not include the sticker tribute, it will undoubtedly be an emotional moment for both the driver and Mercedes. The partnership has produced some of the most dominant performances in Formula 1 history, and Hamilton’s legacy with the team is firmly established. His achievements include six world championships with Mercedes, multiple race victories, and a period of dominance that will be remembered for years to come.

As Hamilton prepares to leave Mercedes and begin a new chapter in his career with Ferrari in 2025, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will serve as a fitting end to an era. While the inspirational message may have been removed from his car, the respect and admiration between Hamilton and his team will be on full display as they bid farewell to a legendary driver.

With one final race left to run in the 2024 season, Hamilton will be looking to end his time with Mercedes on a high note. Despite a challenging season where he’s secured two victories at Silverstone and Spa, his focus remains on giving his best performance in Abu Dhabi before making the move to Ferrari, where he hopes to secure an unprecedented eighth world title.