Lewis Hamilton’s 12-year career at Mercedes came to an end on Sunday, as he finished fourth in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after starting 16th. The seven-time world champion, who will be 40 before he races for Ferrari next season, elicited passion with his racing and remarks following a brilliant comeback drive that saw him pass teammate George Russell on the final lap.
From Team Principal and long-time friend Toto Wolff pulling out the classic ‘It’s hammer time’ catchphrase to a sad admission in the end. Wolff admitted that if Mercedes could not help Hamilton win the much-needed eighth championship, he should win it elsewhere, it was an emotional race that highlighted his connection with the team. The Englishman showed hints of his former self as he came from behind, starting at P16 and finishing fourth.
Lewis Hamilton was the only driver in the race to start on hard tyres and the last to stop for a change. He returned to the track in P7 on the fresher medium tyres and caught up with teammate George Russell before the finish of the race, passing him on the outside of Turn 9 on the penultimate lap to take fourth place.
A rebuilding dynasty for Mercedes
With the chequered flag coming down and Hamilton’s career as a Mercedes driver coming to a close. the 39-year-old reflected on his time with the team alongside Race Engineer Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington. One of the most beautiful chapters in Formula One history has concluded, with Hamilton joining Ferrari in the hopes of winning another title. During his stint with the Silver Arrows, he competed in 356 Grand Prix, winning 84 races.
It is the most by a driver for a single team, and finishing on 153 podiums. After the race he said, “The pleasure’s been mine. Yeah, Bono, we dreamed alone, but together we believed. And as a team, we achieved things that… Thank you for all the courage, determination, the passion, and for seeing me and supporting me. What started as a leap of faith turned into a journey into the history books.”
