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Lewis Hamilton Bids Emotional Farewell to Mercedes After 12 Iconic Years: ‘A Chapter I’ll Treasure Forever’

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
December 9, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Lewis Hamilton Bids Emotional Farewell to Mercedes After 12 Iconic Years: ‘A Chapter I’ll Treasure Forever’

Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 8, 2024 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton after finishing fourth in his last race for Mercedes REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the end of an extraordinary era as Lewis Hamilton brought down the curtain on his 12-year partnership with Mercedes. The seven-time world champion delivered a stellar performance, climbing from 16th on the grid to finish fourth, showcasing the fighting spirit that has defined his legendary career.

After the race, Hamilton’s emotional farewell was impossible to miss. Performing donuts on the start/finish straight, the Briton parked his Mercedes and lingered, visibly moved by the magnitude of the moment. Reflecting on his time with the team, Hamilton said, “I just wanted to savour it all—everything we’ve been through, all the highs, the lows, and the incredible success.”

A Race That Symbolized a Legacy

Starting from a lowly 16th after a disastrous qualifying session, Hamilton’s charge through the field was nothing short of remarkable. The veteran pilot showcased his mastery on the Medium compound in the final stages, overtaking rivals with precision to claim P4.

“That was a tough but really enjoyable race,” Hamilton said in Mercedes’ post-race report. “To come through the field and make it back to P4 was awesome. It was a great way to end our time together.”

‘A Bond That Will Never Break’

Hamilton’s parting words were a testament to the deep connection he shares with the Mercedes family. “I can’t tell you how much I am going to miss this team,” he admitted. “We’ve worked together every day for 12 years, and there’s so much love there. That won’t disappear, no matter that we’ll be racing each other next year.”

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff praised Hamilton’s unmatched contribution to the team, calling the partnership “the most successful in F1 history.” Wolff added, “It’s been 12 years of trust, shared values, and incredible memories. Even as we part ways, Lewis will always be part of our family.”

From Karting Idol to Legendary Teammate

Hamilton’s current teammate George Russell, who battled his senior for track position throughout the season, paid glowing tribute. “Lewis is not just the greatest driver of all time; he’s the kind of person every racer should aspire to be,” Russell said. “I wish him the best in his next chapter and look forward to battling him on track.”

A Leap of Faith That Made History

Hamilton’s move from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013 raised eyebrows at the time, but it proved to be a masterstroke. Over the next decade, he rewrote the record books: six world titles, 84 race wins, and 78 pole positions while driving for the Silver Arrows.

Mercedes race engineer Peter Bonnington, affectionately known as “Bono,” lauded Hamilton’s vision. “For Lewis to believe in us back in 2013, when we were still building, was incredible,” Bono said. “The partnership between that car and Lewis—the records speak for themselves.”

The End of an Era, the Start of a New Chapter

As Hamilton transitions to Ferrari for the 2025 season, his departure marks the end of the longest and most successful driver-team partnership in F1 history. Despite the split, Mercedes made it clear they will continue to support Hamilton in spirit.

“If it isn’t us winning, we hope it’s him,” Wolff concluded.

Hamilton’s journey with Mercedes has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the struggles of his first season in 2013 to the dominance of the hybrid era, the partnership has left an indelible mark on Formula 1. Now, as Hamilton embarks on a new adventure, the legacy of his time with Mercedes will remain one of the sport’s greatest stories.

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