After over a decade of dominance, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes F1 part ways, leaving behind heartfelt tributes and a remarkable legacy.
The extraordinary story between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes F1 has now come to an end—and in fine style, following Lewis’s 4th place finish in Abu Dhabi.
Starting 16th, the Briton capitalized on an alternate strategy (starting on hard tires) and managed to overtake his teammate George Russell with a stunning last-lap move.
Apart from this final lap and the Grand Prix victory at Silverstone, there is little to salvage from this year for Lewis Hamilton, who finished only 7th in the championship.
This season unfolded under strange circumstances, as Lewis Hamilton knew, even before the first Grand Prix of the year, that he would leave Mercedes F1.
“This was probably the longest year of my life, knowing from the start that I was leaving,” Lewis confirmed.
“It’s like a relationship where you’ve told the other person you’re leaving, but you still live together for a year. A lot of ups and downs, but we ended on a positive note.”
From 2013 to 2024, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes F1 formed the longest and most successful driver-team partnership in F1 history.
Lewis cherished every moment after the race in Abu Dhabi, performing donuts on the pit straight before stepping out of his car, crouching beside it, and reflecting on all their time together.
“Every moment, I knew it was one of the last, and it was really clear and hard to let go. When I stopped the car, I wanted to embrace that moment. Representing Mercedes has been the greatest moment of my life. Just saying thank you—to my mind for not giving up, to everyone who had the power to build this car. I’m proud of everyone.”
“We’ve certainly had ups and downs, but what stands out is that there was real love. The board members who supported me all these years, who were upset at the start, but said I would always be part of the family. It just shows there’s so much love between us.”
Russell Also Pays Tribute to Lewis Hamilton
As for George Russell, did he almost appreciate being overtaken by his illustrious teammate at the very end of the Abu Dhabi race?
“It felt like a pretty fitting way to finish with Lewis, being a second apart after all these years. I’m happy he had an excellent weekend. He deserved it.”
“I’ve learned so much from Lewis as a driver and as a person. I’m proud to have had these years.”
George Russell admits he has learned a lot from Lewis Hamilton, both on and off the track…
“Thanks to Lewis, I recognize that we all have this platform (F1) and that we must use it responsibly. It became even clearer to me with my young nieces and nephews watching TikTok and Netflix.”
“The way you handle wins and losses inspires young kids. The greatest life lesson I’ve learned from him is that, even if you really want to express something, there are hundreds of millions of people watching, and how you do it is super important.”
Perhaps the most heartfelt tribute came over the radio from Toto Wolff. Whatever happens, the bond between him and Lewis Hamilton is certain to remain strong…
“Twelve years… The longest driver-team relationship this sport has ever seen. It’s one of the longest relationships in any sport. I’d be curious to see the data on that.”
“One of the longest relationships on a personal level, and that creates a bond, trust, and values that are rare in our times. That’s why we keep him close to our hearts.”
“We said we would work hard to maintain this relationship. Fierce competition on the track, but if the individuals want the relationship to continue beyond the competition, we will make it happen.”
“We continue to do our workout sessions, where we’re both so competitive, trying to beat each other, whether it’s on the bike or otherwise.”
The Russell Option Fading?
If Andrea Kimi Antonelli does not deliver next year, everyone knows Mercedes F1 could renew efforts to sign Max Verstappen…
But hasn’t the recent intense dispute between George Russell and the Dutchman ended that possibility?
“George has drawn a line in the sand,” responds Toto Wolff.
“There is a relationship between two drivers that must remain between them and be managed by them. As a team principal, I don’t think I should interfere.”
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Hamilton and Mercedes: A Legendary Partnership Ends Gracefully Hamilton and Mercedes: A Legendary Partnership Ends Gracefully
