Lewis Hamilton says he feels ‘proud of every race’ he has competed in while driving for Mercedes. Photograph: Darko Bandić/AP
Lewis Hamilton marked the end of his time with Mercedes with heartfelt reflections following his final race with the team at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. After a remarkable performance at the Yas Marina circuit, where he raced from 16th to 4th place, Hamilton admitted that it felt good to leave on a positive note, especially after a challenging season.
Hamilton’s time with Mercedes has been a standout period in his career. Since joining the team in 2013, he secured six World Championships and 84 race victories, making his relationship with the team one of the most successful in Formula 1 history. At his final race before moving to Ferrari next year, Hamilton took a moment to reflect on his journey, pausing on the track as he parked alongside the top three finishers. He knelt beside his car, expressing his deep gratitude.
“When I stopped the car, I just wanted to savor the moment,” Hamilton shared. “This is the last time I’ll be stepping into a Mercedes, and it’s truly been the greatest honor of my life.” He continued, “Every race, every pole, every victory, and every championship we achieved together is something I’m incredibly proud of. When I knelt next to the car, I was simply giving thanks—to myself for pushing through, to everyone who helped build the car, and to the entire team.”
Lewis Hamilton spins on the track to mark his final race with Mercedes after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty Images
Despite the highs of his career, Hamilton faced struggles in recent seasons, especially following the controversial end to the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which denied him an eighth championship. The team also faced difficulties after changes to the regulations in 2022, with the car struggling to perform consistently. This year, while there was progress, the car still had its challenges. Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes, announced before the season began, made the year emotionally complicated. “It’s been a really tough year, probably the longest of my life,” he confessed. “It’s like being in a relationship where you’ve already told the other person you’re leaving, but still have to live together for a whole year. Lots of ups and downs, but we ended on a high.”
Meanwhile, McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed victory at Yas Marina, securing the team’s first constructors’ championship in 26 years. Norris drove a flawless race from pole position, holding off the Ferrari drivers to clinch the title. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, was knocked out early in the race after contact with Max Verstappen, adding extra pressure on Norris. However, Norris kept his cool, and his win was celebrated as a historic achievement for McLaren.
“It’s a very special day for all of us,” Norris said after the race. “Winning the championship for McLaren after 26 years is a huge moment, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of that. Oscar and I are both so proud to deliver this for the team—it’s been the highlight of our careers, and seeing everyone’s smiles after the win made it all the more memorable.”
