Lewis Hamilton described his final Friday practice with Mercedes as “very surreal,” as he struggled to manage his emotions after a 12-year tenure with the team.
The seven-time champion, who placed fifth in the qualifying round at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, expressed hopes for a strong finish in Sunday’s race following a challenging performance in Qatar the previous week.
“It’s gone better today,” Hamilton noted, who will turn 40 in January and is set to join Ferrari. “I’ve tried to stay present and savour every moment—from arriving with the senior engineers to gearing up in the car, it’s been truly enjoyable.”
Hamilton shared his deep appreciation for his team, emphasizing his special connection with the crew and engineers. “I have so much love for this team,” he said.
Acknowledging the competitive edge of McLaren and Ferrari, he added, “They’re so fast, and I need to find some time!”
As he prepares to conclude his season with Mercedes, Hamilton confessed his difficulty keeping his emotions in check. “There’s no trick to it,” he admitted. “I’ve been trying to channel my energy into the car and the team.”
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With one final race ahead, Hamilton remains hopeful. “I’ve one last shot at it, and I hope the car stays consistent tonight so we can compete strongly tomorrow.”
