Lewis Hamilton bid goodbye to Mercedes after finishing fourth in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. The British driver who started 16th on the grid complete the race in fourth position. Hamilton departs Mercedes as the most successful driver in the team's history. The seven time world championship did light up the last moment with Mercedes by performing doughnut with car on track
Lewis Hamilton's final message for Marcedes F1 team
After finishing fourth in Abu Dhabi GP, Lewis Hamilton was engaged in an emotional conversation with Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff and senior race engineer Peter 'Bono' Bonnington took place.
Before the start of the race Mercedes Team Principle Toto Wolff had issued an apology to Hamilton over Mercedes' handling of Q1. However, post-race he was full of praise for the Brit. He said, "Lewis, that was the drive of a world champion. That's the drive of a world champion. Amazing." Hamilton who was clearly emotional himself, responded: "Thanks, Toto... that was fun."
On the other hand, Tearful Peter 'Bono' Bonnington was heard saying "Nice work, Lewis. That's a P4, mate, And that's the end of an era. I've got to say, mate, it's been epic working with you."
Hamilton replied "The pleasure's been mine. We dreamed alone. But together we believed. And as a team, we achieved things that only... thank you for all the courage, the determination and the passion for seeing me and supporting me.
Lewis Hamilton's career with Mercedes
Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 after spending six years with McLaren, where he won his first championship in 2008. From 2014 onwards Mercedes dominated Formula 1 as the team won eight consecutive constructors titles, while Hamilton won six drivers championships in seven years.
He missed a record eighth in 2021 when he was beaten by Max Verstappen of Red Bull on the final lap of the last race. Hamilton will join Ferrari for the 2025 season in search for the eighth world championship.
