Lewis Hamilton moves to Ferrari after 12 years and six world titles with the Mercedes in Formula 1.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff left a heartfelt radio message for seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton as the latter drove his final race for the Silver Arrows at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi Sunday.
Ahead of his move to Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton finished P4, ahead of teammate George Russell in the closing race of the 2024 F1 season.
Wolff, who was with Hamilton through six of his seven world championships, made an emotional statement on the radio right after the checkered flag, where McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed victory.
“We love you too and you’re always gonna be a part of that family, and if we can’t win, then you should win,” Wolff told Hamilton, responding to the British driver and alluding to Mercedes’ struggles in recent years which has plagued the seven-time World Champion.
Such was only one of many messages and tributes for the British star as he leaves Mercedes after 246 race starts with the team.
His long-time race engineer Peter Bonnington, often known as Bono, also shared a quaint moment with Hamilton during the race, giving one last “It’s hammer time” call on the radio.
He also gave a message after the race.
“Stellar job, bud. But yeah, it’s been a pleasure all the way,” said Bonnington.
Russell, who he was teammates with for the last three F1 seasons, also paid tribute to his compatriot on social media.
“Thank you, Lewis. It’s been special,” said the 26-year-old.
At the beginning of the race weekend in Abu Dhabi, Mercedes already came out with a tribute video to celebrate Hamilton’s impact on the team and in Formula 1.
Lewis also received a helmet filled with messages from the whole Mercedes garage at the end of the race.
“All the emotions. A gift from us to you, Lewis,” wrote Mercedes.
After the race, Hamilton took time next to his car to reflect on his last race for the British-powered team.
“I think it was just, you know, it’s the last time I’m gonna be in a cockpit of a Mercedes. Just trying to enjoy that moment. Take it for me,” said Hamilton.
Mercedes will begin a new era in 2025 when they take on young driver Kimi Antonelli to replace Hamilton’s spot, along with George Russell for the Silver Arrows.
Meanwhile, Hamilton joins Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.
2024 Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, for his part, moves to Williams for next year.
The 2025 F1 calendar begins anew at pre-season testing in Bahrain in late February.