Hamilton has ‘no extra tears’ left after emotional Mercedes farewell

Lewis Hamilton says he has ‘no extra tears’ left after closing his 12-year Mercedes Components 1 chapter at an emotional Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Hamilton introduced as early as February that he would transfer to Ferrari in 2025, making certain his Mercedes farewell can be drawn out over all the marketing campaign, which suffered highs and lows as Mercedes struggled to search out constant efficiency with its W15.

The group paid tribute to the driving force that delivered six championships at 2024’s season finale at Yas Marina, which seemed set to finish on a whimper when a unfastened bollard derailed Hamilton’s qualifying on Saturday.

However the seven-time world champion fought again on an alternate technique to climb all the way in which from sixteenth to fourth, passing team-mate George Russell on the ultimate lap.

Hamilton’s remaining weekend for the Silver Arrows included a shock gathering on Thursday night in its paddock membership suite the place the group premiered a video montage to thank its talismanic driver.

“We’ve undoubtedly had our ups and downs. There have been sure emotions that I’ve chosen to go a sure method and it’s not been simple for individuals to simply accept and recover from,” he mentioned.

“However little by little, via the yr what has come via is actual love on the finish of the day. I’ve bought board members from Mercedes who’ve stood by and supported me all of those years who have been upset at the start however they mentioned ‘you’ll at all times be part of the household’.  

“On Thursday, the group stunned me upstairs and that was super-emotional. I’ve not bought any extra tears, the whole lot got here out then.

“It’s been a turbulent yr – most likely the longest yr of my life as a result of we’ve identified from the start that we have been leaving and it’s like a relationship whenever you’ve advised whoever the counterpart is that you just’re leaving, however you’re residing collectively for a complete yr.  

“Plenty of ups and downs emotionally however we completed off on a excessive at the moment; with a powerful, onerous battle, no errors and a strong drive.”  

After celebratory donuts on the grid, Hamilton seemed sunk in thought as he kneeled by his W15. When requested what went via his thoughts, he mentioned: “Simply these moments. Each second that I’ve bought into the automotive this week I’ve identified that it’s one of many final and it’s been actually clear and actually onerous to let go. 

“After I stopped the automotive, I wished to embrace the second as a result of it’s the final time I’m ever going to step right into a Mercedes and signify them. It’s been the best honour of my life.”