Lewis Hamilton's emotional farewell: Reflecting on a legendary era with Mercedes
Last weekend, Lewis Hamilton drove his 246th and final race as a Mercedes driver at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Formula 1 legend has been a part of the Mercedes family since his McLaren days as a youth, and with his move to Ferrari in 2025, this year marks the end of an iconic partnership.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo reflects on Hamilton’s final - and emotional - race as a Mercedes driver.
Hamilton ends Mercedes career on a high
As the sun set over Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit, Lewis Hamilton brought the curtain down on a monumental chapter in his Formula 1 career.
After 12 years with Mercedes, the seven-time world champion bid farewell to the team that had been his racing family, with a fourth-place finish marking his final race for the Silver Arrows.
Hamilton, who begins a new chapter with Ferrari in 2025, described his last season with Mercedes as an emotional rollercoaster.
"It’s been the longest year of my life," he admitted, "knowing from the start I was leaving."
The Briton compared the experience to a bittersweet relationship, filled with highs and lows but culminating on a positive note.
Despite starting 16th on the grid, Hamilton delivered a classic comeback performance, surging to fourth place with a decisive last-lap overtake on teammate George Russell.
"When Bono said, ‘It’s Hammer Time,’ it struck me - it would be the last time I’d hear those words," Hamilton reflected.
His drive encapsulated his determination to leave on a high, a hallmark of his illustrious career.
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A legacy forged in silver
Hamilton's partnership with Mercedes began in 2013, a move many initially questioned.
Over the next decade, it blossomed into the most successful driver-team alliance in F1 history, yielding six drivers' titles and countless iconic moments.
"What started as a leap of faith became a journey into the history books," Hamilton said, expressing gratitude to team principal Toto Wolff and his race engineer Peter Bonnington.
As part of his farewell, Mercedes honoured Hamilton with a touching gesture, allowing him to drive three of his championship-winning cars at Silverstone.
Reflecting on the moment, Hamilton said, "Driving those cars brought back incredible memories - from the doubts when I first joined to the triumphs that followed."
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Final reflections and a new beginning
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was filled with poignant moments.
From celebratory doughnuts on the pit straight to Hamilton crouching beside his car in quiet contemplation, it was clear how much the journey with Mercedes meant to him.
"Representing Mercedes has been the greatest chapter of my life," he said. "The love within this team will always stay with me."
George Russell, who partnered with Hamilton during the latter part of his Mercedes tenure, expressed admiration for the veteran driver.
"I’ve learned so much from him, not just as a driver but as a role model," said Russell.
Now, Hamilton sets his sights on Ferrari, joining Charles Leclerc in the iconic red overalls.
At 39, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of an eighth world title, a goal that has eluded him since the controversial 2021 finale.
An enduring legacy
Hamilton's departure from Mercedes marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to shape the team.
"It’s been a journey of attachment, trust, and shared values," Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff stated.
As the sport prepares for a new chapter, Hamilton leaves behind a legacy that transcends statistics - a story of resilience, excellence, and an unyielding belief in what’s possible.
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