This week marks an emotional milestone for Lewis Hamilton as the seven-time World Champion prepares to bid farewell to Mercedes. After 12 remarkable years, Hamilton is set to leave the team that stood by his side for 246 races. His stint with Mercedes yielded an impressive 84 race wins, 78 pole positions, 153 podium finishes, eight world constructors’ championships, and six world drivers’ championships.
A Legacy with Mercedes
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix served as a bittersweet end to Hamilton’s journey with Mercedes. His departure signals the conclusion of F1’s most successful team-driver partnership to date. This weekend, Hamilton embarks on a farewell journey that not only marks his exit from the Mercedes F1 team but also sees him parting ways with the German automotive giant that has fueled his career for 26 years.
From Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur
Immediately following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton flew to Kuala Lumpur to connect with Mercedes’ title partner, Petronas. Sources close to the 39-year-old driver reveal that he is eager to express his gratitude and bid farewell. A short video clip on the team’s social media captures Hamilton reflecting, “It is obviously a very emotional time, coming back from Abu Dhabi straight into my farewell. I am back at the twin [Petronas] Towers. I always love coming here.”
His heartfelt connection to the Petronas team is evident as he shares, “I always get a fantastic welcome from everyone here in Malaysia and KL. I am excited to see the Petronas team, who have been like my family for the past 12 years.”
Hamilton’s Farewell Tour Schedule
Following his stop in Malaysia, Hamilton will head to Stuttgart for a luncheon with the Mercedes board and motorsport team on Wednesday. Friday will be spent at the engine plant in Brixworth before concluding his farewell tour at the team’s factory in Brackley. The tour will culminate at Mercedes’ Christmas party on Saturday.
Mercedes has expressed their gratitude with goodbye messages displayed on billboards in Kuala Lumpur, New York, Los Angeles, and London, adorned with the sentiment: “Thank you, Lewis.”
Looking Ahead to Ferrari
As Hamilton prepares for his next chapter with Ferrari, the racing world eagerly anticipates his debut with the iconic Italian team. Although Ferrari remains discrete about the specifics, it’s speculated that Hamilton could get behind the wheel of the F1 2022 car, the F1-75, at Ferrari’s test track in Fiorano sometime in early 2025.
This move marks a significant transition for Hamilton, and fans worldwide are eager to witness how his skills and experience will influence the future successes of Ferrari.
