Lewis Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton concluded his illustrious 12-year partnership with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi, delivering a performance that reflected his status as a seven-time world champion. The 39-year-old, set to join Ferrari next season, started 16th but finished fourth after a challenging qualifying session.

In an emotional farewell, Hamilton thanked the team over the radio, acknowledging their shared achievements: “What started as a leap of faith became a journey into the history books.” His tenure with Mercedes resulted in six drivers’ titles, eight constructors’ championships, 84 wins, 78 poles, and 153 podiums.

His career total now stands at 105 victories, all powered by Mercedes engines.

Post-race, Hamilton performed celebratory doughnuts and embraced race winner Lando Norris, who secured McLaren’s first constructors’ title in 26 years. Despite a tough season, Hamilton overtook teammate George Russell on the final lap, inspired by race engineer Peter Bonnington’s iconic “Hammer time” call—one he reflected on with deep emotion.

Team principal Toto Wolff hailed the drive as “worthy of a world champion” and reassured Hamilton he would always remain part of the Mercedes family. Reflecting on his departure, Hamilton described the experience as “massively harder than expected” but expressed immense gratitude for his journey with the team.