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Hamilton REMOVES Mercedes farewell tribute from …read more
Lewis Hamilton asked for a special Mercedes farewell tribute to be removed from his car during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking a significant moment in his career. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion has enjoyed immense success with Mercedes, including six world titles, and his final race with the team was always expected to be a moment of reflection and celebration. However, Hamilton’s decision to have the tribute removed highlights his preference for a less sentimental farewell.
Mercedes had already paid tribute to Hamilton in a heartfelt way earlier in the season, organizing a surprise event at Silverstone where he was given the opportunity to drive some of his previous championship-winning cars. Hamilton took a nostalgic lap in the 2013, 2014, and 2018 Mercedes cars, with the latter two marking milestones in his dominance of the sport. The team’s gesture was a fitting way to honor his contributions, but it wasn’t the only tribute Mercedes had planned.
Before the Abu Dhabi race, the team also added an inspirational sticker to Hamilton’s car as another tribute to the driver. The sticker, which read “Every team needs a dream,” was positioned on the bulkhead of his cockpit, just above the steering wheel lights. This placement made the message visible to Hamilton as he looked forward from the car, and it was intended to serve as a motivating reminder of his storied career. However, Hamilton did not want the sticker to remain for the race, requesting that it be removed prior to the session.
The update was revealed by Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz, who explained that the sticker had been taken off the car. “Sticker update, it’s been removed,” Kravitz stated. The message, placed at the top of the steering column, was considered an inspirational touch by the team, but it ultimately didn’t fit Hamilton’s desire for a more private departure. Kravitz also mentioned that the sticker had been placed in a particularly prominent location on the car, right in Hamilton’s direct line of sight between the steering wheel and the dashboard. This proximity may have been distracting for Hamilton, who is known for his intense focus during races.
Interestingly, the sticker was still visible on George Russell’s car, Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes. Russell’s car, unlike Hamilton’s, retained the traditional windscreen, and the team had chosen to keep the tribute on his car. Kravitz joked that while Hamilton had opted for the removal of the sticker, Russell appeared to have no issue with it. He humorously added that if they ever had to modify the message for Russell’s car, it might read, “Every action that happens needs somebody to get angry about it if it’s Max Verstappen,” a lighthearted reference to Russell’s frequent feuds with Verstappen on track.
Hamilton’s decision to remove the sticker highlights his preference for focusing on performance rather than sentimentality. Despite the outpouring of tributes from Mercedes and the Formula 1 community, the 39-year-old driver has always been a private individual who shies away from too much attention. While he has clearly enjoyed his time with the team, having won multiple championships and become a key part of their success, Hamilton has never been one for unnecessary fanfare. His performance in Abu Dhabi would likely be his true tribute to the team, as he continues to compete at the highest level, regardless of the emotions surrounding his departure.
As the F1 world prepares for what might be Hamilton’s last race with Mercedes, his legacy at the team remains firmly intact. Over the years, he has not only achieved personal success but also helped establish Mercedes as a dominant force in the sport. While the team’s farewell gestures have been heartfelt, Hamilton’s focus is likely to remain on the track, where he has always excelled. The decision to remove the sticker is a reminder of the intense concentration and professionalism that Hamilton brings to every race, even as he prepares to move on to the next chapter of his storied career.
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