As the curtains close on a decade of unparalleled partnership between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion reflects on an emotional, challenging, and, at times, awkward farewell. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the final chapter of an alliance that redefined the sport, blending triumphs and trials into a saga that will be remembered for generations.
The Awkward Start to the End
Hamilton’s decision to switch to Ferrari for 2025 meant this farewell season was destined to carry an emotional weight from the very beginning. Announcing his departure even before the first race of the year set the tone for a year filled with complexities.
“The first meeting with Toto at the beginning of the year was awkward, of course,” Hamilton admits. “So, it was awkward from the get-go.”
The strain was immediate, and the initial months were fraught with emotional hurdles as both Hamilton and Mercedes adjusted to the impending separation.
A Season of Contrasts
This final season has been a tale of two goodbyes. On one hand, there’s the immediate disappointment of 2024—a year marked by underwhelming on-track performances that pushed Hamilton to the brink of frustration. From a lackluster car to moments like the disheartening Brazilian Grand Prix, the struggles have made this swan song a tough pill to swallow.
“I anticipated it would be difficult, but massively underestimated how difficult it would be,” Hamilton reflects. “I’ve not been at my best in handling and dealing with those emotions.”
At one point, Hamilton admitted he considered walking away mid-season, with the lows of Qatar and Brazil nearly breaking his resolve. Yet, despite the urge to end things prematurely, Hamilton stayed the course, driven by a commitment to his team and his legacy.
The Legacy of Greatness
While 2024 has been a turbulent year, it’s impossible to overlook the monumental achievements of this partnership. Across 245 races, 84 wins, and 153 podiums, Hamilton and Mercedes built an empire, capturing six Drivers’ Championships and eight Constructors’ titles together. These are numbers that transcend the sport, etching their names in history.
Hamilton reflects on the relationships that made this journey so meaningful:
“It’s not just the racing,” he says. “It’s the moments shared off the track—through marriages, divorces, loss, cancer battles. You’re going through these journeys with people. It’s a really beautiful journey you go on together.”
A Poignant Goodbye
Despite the frustrations of 2024, Hamilton and Mercedes have committed to celebrating their journey rather than dwelling on its anticlimactic conclusion. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix offers one last chance to honor what they built together, even if the result itself might not sparkle.
“I hope the good and the highs far outweigh the negatives,” Hamilton says. “This weekend is about remembering the good times, the incredible relationships, and the deep emotions that come with a journey like this.”
Mercedes’ refusal to cut the season short and bring in Hamilton’s successor, Kimi Antonelli, earlier reflects their mutual respect. Both parties are determined to end this partnership with dignity, ensuring that the legacy of their collaboration isn’t overshadowed by the frustrations of a single season.
The Final Lap
As Hamilton prepares for his last race in Silver Arrows colors, the spotlight is not just on the Abu Dhabi GP but on the legacy of greatness he and Mercedes crafted together. While this final chapter may lack the championship glory of years past, it’s a poignant reminder that even the most dominant partnerships have their imperfections.
The numbers tell one story, but the memories, emotions, and relationships forged during this time tell another. As Hamilton bids farewell, he leaves not just as a driver but as an icon of the Mercedes legacy—a partnership that transformed the landscape of Formula 1.