The tributes have begun.
The 2024 System 1 season attracts to an in depth with this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and it marks not solely the top of an exciting marketing campaign however brings to an in depth the best driver-team pairing within the historical past of the game. Lewis Hamilton’s time with Mercedes will come to an finish after this weekend, because the dwelling legend strikes to Ferrari for the 2025 marketing campaign.
After 12 seasons, Six Drivers’ World Championships, eight Constructors’ titles, 84 wins, 78 pole positions, and 153 podiums, only one race stays.
In his media preview of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Mercedes Group Principal Toto Wolff paid tribute to Hamilton’s time with Mercedes.
“Our relationship has meant a lot extra than simply numbers and statistics, although. It’s a legacy that transcends our sport, with a long-lasting affect past the racetrack. One which has strived to extend variety in our sport. To combat for inclusion,” started Wolff. “Lewis has been the catalyst for a lot of this and we’ve got been honoured and proud to work hand-in-hand with him. That work gained’t cease on the finish of this yr. Nevertheless it started due to the impetus led by Lewis.”
Wolff then highlighted how the staff will use the season finale — and the week after — to [honor] Hamilton and his accomplishments with Mercedes.
“This weekend is a celebration. A celebration of the whole lot that we’ve got achieved collectively. Lewis’s affiliation with Mercedes goes again 26 years. Each lap of his profession to date has been powered by the three-pointed star,” added Wolff. “We are going to [honor] this unparalleled story in Abu Dhabi and throughout the next week as we go to Kuala Lumpur, Stuttgart, then lastly Brixworth and Brackley. And honour it figuring out that, while this part of our relationship is coming to an finish, Lewis will at all times be part of our household.”
As for the ultimate race of the 2024 season, the Mercedes boss believes one of the best ways to honor Hamilton and his time with the staff is by placing in efficiency at Yas Marina.
“For now, although, our full focus is on the race weekend. There isn’t a higher technique to mark the top of our time collectively than with a powerful efficiency on the monitor,” added Wolff. “The complete staff is concentrated on including yet one more spotlight to the reel. We additionally wish to finish the season on the entrance foot. That may assist us carry momentum into the winter and onwards as we open the following chapter in our story in 2025. With George because the senior driver and Kimi as an thrilling rookie expertise, our future is brilliant. However let’s finish this current chapter in the proper approach.
“Thanks, Lewis: for one ultimate time, let’s do that.”