Lewis Hamilton concluded his 12-year stint at Mercedes with cheers and tears on Sunday, finishing an impressive fourth from 16th on the grid at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion, who will join Ferrari next season, delivered a classic recovery drive, overtaking teammate George Russell on the final lap. “When he (race engineer Pete Bonnington) said ‘hammer time,’ I realized it was the last time I would hear that,” Hamilton said emotionally. “It hit me at that moment.”
“It was a really tough race. I didn’t start as well as my future teammate, Charles Leclerc, and the first stint was very difficult,” he continued.
Hamilton maintained his determination throughout the race. “I never lost hope, though it was tougher than I expected. I kept pushing, thinking, ‘We can do this.’ When we switched tyres, the car just came alive. I wanted to end on a high note and give my all to the team as they have done for me over the years.”
After the race, Hamilton celebrated by spinning ‘donuts’ in his car to the crowd’s cheers. He also took time to take photographs with team members and shared heartfelt gratitude over the radio.
“That was the drive of a world champion,” Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff acclaimed.
“Stellar drive today, bud. It’s been a pleasure all the way,” Bonnington praised.
Hamilton responded, “The pleasure’s been mine. We dreamed alone, but together, we believed and achieved as a team. Thank you for all the courage, determination, and passion. What started as a leap of faith turned into a historic journey. I’m deeply grateful to everyone at the factory.”
Read: Lewis Hamilton’s Emotional Farewell Practice with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi
Bonnington added, “It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m so grateful to have been part of this chapter of your life. Best of luck for the next one.”
Wolff’s final remark was, “We love you too, and you’ll always be part of the family. And if we can’t win, you should.”
During his tenure with Mercedes, Hamilton started 246 races, a record for a driver with a single team. He won 84 races, achieved 13 other podium finishes, claimed 78 pole positions, and won six of his seven world championships.
