Hamilton Hails “awesome” Mercedes Farewell – Sport Grill

Sir Lewis Hamilton has described his last race for Mercedes as an “awesome” farewell at 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

Having qualified 16th following his Q1 exit and application of grid penalties, Hamilton battled through the field on the alternative hard to medium tyre strategy to finish fourth with a last-lap overtake on teammate – George Russell.

Reflecting on a rollercoaster final race for Mercedes after 12 seasons together before he joins Ferrari, Hamilton was proud to had completed “a tough but really enjoyable race” after he bided his time at the start before his sole pit stop on lap 35.

The seven-time champion though was pleased to end his time at Mercedes with a top-four finish.

“To come through the field from P16 and make it back to P4 was awesome. I’m really happy with how my evening went and how the car felt. It was definitely a good way to end our time together!”

Post-race, Hamilton was allowed to conduct celebratory doughnuts on the grid to mark the end of F1’s most famous partnerships, which saw him achieve 153 podiums, 84 race victories, eight constructor and six driver titles at Mercedes.

The Brit explained that his focus was on digesting the emotions of the occasion and the reality that he is moving on to Ferrari.

“After the chequered flag, I was focused on just taking it all in, knowing that this was my last time in a Mercedes cockpit and savouring the emotions.

“I want to hold on to that moment, so I just sat there, contemplating everything we’ve been through together, all the ups and downs, and the success we’ve enjoyed. I can’t tell you how much I am going to miss this team.

“I’ve worked with them every day for the last 12 years and there is so much love there. That won’t disappear, no matter that we will be racing each other on track next year.”

Russell praised Hamilton for his drive but spoke of his pride at having partnered the seven-time champion for the last three seasons, having grown up idolising his compatriot.

“Lewis had an amazing race, so I want to say a big well done to him. He has not only been an incredible team-mate, but someone that I looked up to when I was karting and racing in junior formula.

“He is not only the greatest driver of all time but is the type of person that every racing driver should aspire to be. I wish him well in his next challenge and look forward to battling him on track.”

Mercedes CEO and Team Principal, Toto Wolff added that he is proud of the team’s success with Hamilton, underlined by their close “bond” which has seen Hamilton race under Mercedes power since he joined F1 at McLaren in 2007.

“A relationship of that length and a journey like that creates a bond, trust, and shared values that are rare nowadays. It is a period of time that we will always hold close to our hearts and one that I personally will treasure forever.

“Despite knowing that whatever happened in our final race today didn’t impact our legacy, we all wanted to end on a high. I am so glad we were able to do so. He will always be a part of our family and, if it isn’t us winning on track, we hope that it is him.”

Wolff however felt that if a bollard hadn’t eliminated Hamilton in Q1, they could of finished with one final victory which went to Lando Norris – with McLaren crowned constructors’ title for the first time since 1998.

“Without the bollard getting in Lewis’s way yesterday in Qualifying, I think he could have fought for victory. He was quick throughout today and made the alternative strategy work well.

“He drove like a world champion. That is befitting of our time together and a real statement.”