Hamilton and Mercedes’ mutual respect shone during a poignant farewell, even as the final weekend delivered disappointment on the track.
Lewis Hamilton aimed to conclude his journey with Mercedes F1 on a high note, but not everything went as planned. James Allison, the team’s technical director, described how the final weekend was emotional yet disappointing in terms of results.
“I think it would be very hard to encapsulate such a complex set of emotions,” said Allison. “Of course, we would have loved for the entire season, and especially the final race, to be a fairy-tale ending for a partnership that has set the benchmark in Formula 1.”
“We would have liked to at least finish on the podium or, ideally, on the top step, but that wasn’t the case. That said, I believe Lewis and the team couldn’t have handled the situation better, which is largely due to the respect between Lewis and the team and the immense gratitude for everything we’ve achieved.”
“Qualifying was a tough moment for Lewis with his collision with the keel. He was disappointed; we were even more disappointed for him. Yet, during the debrief, he told us to do our best in the race and reminded us how many times we’ve managed to turn things around.”
“I think that’s the sentiment we hold. We’ve faced challenging seasons recently, but since the start of this relationship, no other driver-team partnership has come close to what we’ve accomplished together. It’s been an incredible journey for all of us, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Wolff: ‘It’s been a wild journey’ for Hamilton with Mercedes F1
Toto Wolff, Mercedes F1’s team principal, delivered a heartfelt message to Lewis Hamilton, who is currently embarking on a farewell tour with the team’s partners ahead of Christmas.
The tour began this week in Malaysia with Petronas and will conclude in the coming days at Mercedes F1’s factories in Brackley and Brixworth (engine).
“This year, we reached a moment we all knew would come – the final lap. The longest and most successful partnership in Formula 1 history – who could have imagined it when we started this journey?”
“It’s been a wild adventure for a boy from Stevenage with a dream, one he shared with us at Mercedes.”
“Lewis is now opening a new chapter with Ferrari, but it’s crucial to remember one thing: finding the right allies.”
“Not just those who work with you or sign your contracts – though, of course, that matters – but those who dream with you, fight with you, support you, listen to you, stand by you, and kneel with you.”
“Those who see you, even the parts you’d rather not show, and never stop believing in you, even when you sometimes do. Because when you find your people, you don’t just take on the world – you change it.”
“So, Lewis, whatever the future holds, never forget that we’ll always be your people. Every dream needs a team, and you know that. Take care, my friend, and see you on the track soon. We can’t wait. This is the most important message I’ve ever sent!”
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Emotions Run High as Hamilton Bids Mercedes Goodbye Emotions Run High as Hamilton Bids Mercedes Goodbye
