Lewis Hamilton says he has ‘no extra tears’ left after closing his 12-year Mercedes Method 1 chapter at an emotional Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Hamilton introduced as early as February that he would transfer to Ferrari in 2025, making certain his Mercedes farewell could be drawn out over all the marketing campaign, which suffered highs and lows as Mercedes struggled to search out constant efficiency with its W15.
The group paid tribute to the driving force that delivered six championships at 2024’s season finale at Yas Marina, which seemed set to finish on a whimper when a free bollard derailed Hamilton’s qualifying on Saturday.
However the seven-time world champion fought again on an alternate technique to climb all the best way from sixteenth to fourth, passing team-mate George Russell on the ultimate lap.
Hamilton’s last weekend for the Silver Arrows included a shock gathering on Thursday night in its paddock membership suite the place the group premiered a video montage to thank its talismanic driver.
“We’ve undoubtedly had our ups and downs. There have been sure emotions that I’ve chosen to go a sure approach and it’s not been simple for folks to simply accept and recover from,” he mentioned.
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W15, performs donuts on the finish of the race
Photograph by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photos
“However little by little, by the 12 months what has come by is actual love on the finish of the day. I’ve obtained board members from Mercedes who’ve stood by and supported me all of those years who have been upset initially however they mentioned ‘you’ll at all times be part of the household’.
“On Thursday, the group shocked me upstairs and that was super-emotional. I’ve not obtained any extra tears, every thing got here out then.
“It’s been a turbulent 12 months – most likely the longest 12 months of my life as a result of we’ve recognized from the start that we have been leaving and it’s like a relationship while you’ve instructed whoever the counterpart is that you just’re leaving, however you’re residing collectively for a complete 12 months.
“A number of ups and downs emotionally however we completed off on a excessive at present; with a robust, onerous battle, no errors and a strong drive.”
After celebratory donuts on the grid, Hamilton seemed sunk in thought as he kneeled by his W15. When requested what went by his thoughts, he mentioned: “Simply these moments. Each second that I’ve obtained into the automobile this week I’ve recognized that it’s one of many final and it’s been actually clear and actually onerous to let go.
“After I stopped the automobile, I wished to embrace the second as a result of it’s the final time I’m ever going to step right into a Mercedes and characterize them. It’s been the best honour of my life.”
Photographs from Abu Dhabi GP Race
Learn Additionally:
On this article
Filip Cleeren
Method 1
Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes
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