The End of an Era
This weekend marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Formula 1 history, as Lewis Hamilton drives his final race for Mercedes at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi. Over a remarkable 12-year partnership, the 39-year-old British driver achieved immense success, capturing six world championships, 84 race victories, 78 pole positions, and 153 podium finishes. Hamilton is set to join Ferrari next season, where he will race alongside Charles Leclerc, who has been with the Italian team since 2019. While Hamilton reflects on his time with Mercedes, he admits that the reality of leaving is still sinking in.
A Calm and Reflective Hamilton
In his pre-race interview, Hamilton expressed a calm yet emotional state as he approached his final race with Mercedes. “Pretty calm at the moment. Feeling positive and excited just to give it all this weekend,” he shared. Despite the bittersweet nature of his departure, Hamilton is incredibly proud of what he and the team have accomplished together. “It’s hard to describe the feeling. It’s not the greatest, of course, but I think mostly I’m just really proud of what we’ve achieved,” he added, reflecting on his extraordinary career with Mercedes.
The Highs and Lows of the Partnership
Throughout his tenure, Hamilton experienced some of the best moments of his career, including his triumphant victories, particularly the emotional win at Silverstone earlier this year. “It’s the smiles — when we’ve had the success,” Hamilton reminisced. However, there have been lows as well. The 2021 season ended in heartbreak after a controversial officiating decision led to Hamilton’s loss to Max Verstappen in the title-deciding race. Additionally, 2022 and 2023 marked the only winless seasons of Hamilton’s illustrious career.
A Difficult Season and Emotional Goodbye
This season, Hamilton struggled to match the pace of his younger teammate, George Russell and faced doubts about his own performance. “I’m definitely not fast anymore,” he admitted after a particularly challenging race. With one victory at his home Grand Prix in Silverstone, Hamilton enters his final race in seventh place in the driver’s standings, trailing Russell by 24 points. The emotional toll of saying goodbye to Mercedes has been heavier than Hamilton expected, describing this year as “very emotional” and acknowledging that he hasn’t always handled his emotions perfectly.
Toto Wolff Reflects on Their Journey Together
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also paid tribute to Hamilton, calling this race a celebration of their incredible achievements. “It has been quite a journey,” Wolff stated. “It is a legacy that transcends our sport, with a lasting impact beyond the racetrack.” Wolff highlighted Hamilton’s role in pushing for greater diversity and inclusion in Formula 1, making a lasting impact that will be remembered long after he leaves Mercedes.
Hamilton’s Unmatched Legacy and Future Plans
Hamilton’s record includes 105 race wins, 104 pole positions, and seven championships, tying him with Michael Schumacher. However, Hamilton remains focused on finishing his time with Mercedes in the best possible way. Looking ahead, he shared his excitement for the unknown future, saying, “These next days are going to be super emotional. It’s all a big unknown for what’s up ahead.”
A New Adventure Beyond F1
Off the track, Hamilton has found joy in new pursuits, including taking a step closer to his childhood dream of going to outer space. He attended astronaut flight training in Austin, Texas, in preparation for a future space journey, a contrast to the adrenaline-filled world of Formula 1. “It’s very different to F1. The blood never leaves your head,” Hamilton remarked, reflecting on the physical challenges of flight training.
As Hamilton prepares for his final race with Mercedes, the entire Formula 1 world is set to say farewell to one of the sport’s greatest legends.
