Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, is in the twilight of his legendary partnership with Mercedes. With just two races remaining in his 11-year tenure, the 39-year-old is navigating a mixture of emotions as he prepares to join Ferrari for the 2025 season.
While the upcoming Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix mark the end of a historic chapter, Hamilton admits he doesn’t feel “particularly emotional” yet, though poignant moments with his team, like his recent conversation with race engineer Peter Bonnington, are beginning to sink in.
An Emotional Retrospective
Reflecting on his time with Mercedes, Hamilton acknowledged the sentimental weight of the transition:
“I’m sat down with Bono just now and I’m like, ‘Jeez, this is our last two races together, dude. Can you believe it?’ There’s going to be so many of those moments in these next two weeks where it’ll be like, ‘Shoot, it’s nearly it.’”
Despite these reflective moments, Hamilton emphasized his focus on closing the season on a high:
“It’s definitely going to feel odd, it’s definitely sad. But we’re trying not to let that deter us from our job, and that is to win both the races if that’s possible.”
No Ferrari Debut at Yas Marina Test
Speculation arose that Hamilton might debut with Ferrari at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi. However, Mercedes confirmed Hamilton will remain with them until December 31, fulfilling sponsorship obligations and celebrating a farewell tour with long-time partners like Petronas.
Hamilton himself dismissed the appeal of debuting in Ferrari’s red at the test, explaining:
“Driving the red car for the first time in Abu Dhabi does not excite me. In a perfect world, you’d get to drive it and not be seen and do the first rollout next year.”
He continued:
“I wasn’t going to do the test. It’s not what I wanted to do. I told Fred [Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal] that’s not what I wanted to do.”
The Legacy at Mercedes
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari ends a partnership that yielded six world championships, 82 race wins, and countless milestones. His time at Mercedes not only solidified his status as one of the greatest drivers in F1 history but also brought the team unmatched success in the sport’s hybrid era.
As the Brit prepares for a new chapter at Ferrari, he leaves behind an enduring legacy at Brackley, with his eyes firmly set on contributing to Ferrari’s storied history and chasing an eighth title.
A Farewell Fitting for a Champion
Hamilton’s final two races with Mercedes will undoubtedly be emotional for both the driver and his team. The Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix symbolize the end of an era but also the beginning of a new, highly anticipated chapter in Hamilton’s illustrious career.
With his sights set on ending 2024 with strong performances, Hamilton’s focus remains as sharp as ever, even as the emotional reality of his departure starts to take hold.
