Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Formula 1 history. After 12 years of unwavering commitment to the team, Hamilton has decided to move on. Over this period, he participated in 246 races, achieved 84 victories, and won six drivers’ championships, making this partnership the longest and most successful in F1. However, even the strongest bonds must eventually come to a close. The upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes.
This transition has not been easy for either side. Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, expressed the emotional difficulty of letting go of a driver who has meant so much to the team. Despite this, Wolff acknowledged that Hamilton’s decision spared him from making a personally painful choice. Hamilton’s departure stemmed from the opportunities that arose during the summer of 2023. He had signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes, but it included a “one-plus-one” clause, giving both parties flexibility to exit under certain circumstances. While Mercedes focused on nurturing 18-year-old prospect Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Hamilton received significant offers from rival teams, including Ferrari. Ultimately, Hamilton decided in early 2024 to join Ferrari for the 2025 season, a move that both sides had anticipated but found difficult to confront.
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Reflecting on the situation during an interview on the Armchair Expert Podcast, Wolff revealed his mixed emotions. While he was relieved not to make the decision himself, he understood the sense of disrespect Hamilton might have felt as Mercedes prepared for a future without him. Wolff admitted that the idea of seeing Hamilton in Ferrari colors still feels surreal, but he also acknowledged the necessity of prioritizing the team’s future. Having missed out on talents like Max Verstappen in the past, Wolff emphasized the importance of developing young drivers like Antonelli.
Hamilton, now 40, may also have felt the time was right to take on a new challenge. Ferrari’s allure is undeniable, and Wolff recognized that any F1 driver would find it difficult to resist the opportunity to drive for the iconic team. Hamilton’s move comes after a season filled with personal and professional struggles, including penalties and a performance gap with teammate George Russell. Despite these difficulties, Wolff remains focused on celebrating the positive memories of their partnership, which includes eight constructors’ championships and six drivers’ titles.
As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix approaches, emotions are running high at Mercedes. Wolff expects the final race to be a deeply emotional moment, particularly during the closing laps. However, he remains determined to focus on the legacy Hamilton leaves behind, rather than the challenges of the current season. Wolff expressed gratitude for the incredible journey they’ve shared and acknowledged the inevitability of change in a sport that demands extraordinary levels of fitness and mental acuity.
While Hamilton prepares for his new chapter with Ferrari, Mercedes is looking ahead to its own future, placing its hopes on Antonelli and the next generation of drivers. Both sides are bracing for the emotional farewell, but they are also preparing to move forward. For Hamilton, this marks the beginning of a bold new journey, and for Mercedes, it signals the dawn of anew era.