Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes at Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The 16th edition of the Etihad Airways Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the end of an era in motorsport, as it signaled the conclusion of Lewis Hamilton’s illustrious 12-year career with the Mercedes team. What had started in 2013 as a new chapter for the British driver quickly became one of the most successful and dominant partnerships in F1 history.

Lewis Hamilton poses for a final photo with the Mercedes teamF1

Over the course of 245 races, Hamilton etched his name into the record books, amassing a staggering 84 victories across both Grand Prix and Sprint races.

Hamilton has confessed that he "massively underestimated" the emotional toll of saying goodbye to Mercedes, after announcing his decision to join Ferrari before the season even began.

His career with Mercedes was more than just a series of races — it was a journey that saw him rise to become a seven-time World Champion, shattering records and rewriting the history of the sport.

However, the 2024 season brought a bittersweet conclusion to this chapter. Hamilton, who had been synonymous with Mercedes for over a decade, confirmed that he would be leaving the team at the end of the season.

In a move that shocked the motorsport world, the seven-time world champion revealed he would be joining Ferrari for the 2025 season, a decision that ended his partnership with Mercedes and set the stage for a new chapter in his storied career.

Lewis Hamilton with Toto WolffMercedes AMG F1

Hamilton's final season with Mercedes was a mixed bag of highs and lows. The British driver continued to display his mastery on the track, with notable victories at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

Yet, it was also a season of adversity. Hamilton faced numerous challenges, particularly in qualifying sessions, where he struggled to find the pace that had once come so naturally to him. These struggles limited his ability to compete for regular podium finishes, forcing him to fight for top-10 positions in many races.