Lewis Hamilton Bids Farewell to Mercedes at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton’s storied 12-year career with Mercedes draws to a close this weekend at Yas Marina Circuit during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With 245 grands prix, 78 pole positions, and 84 race and sprint wins under his belt, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion transitions to Ferrari in 2025.

Hamilton’s 2024 season has been marked by challenges with Mercedes’ performance inconsistencies. Highlights include a victory at Silverstone and a one-two finish in Las Vegas. However, the unpredictable car often left him battling in the midfield. Last weekend in Qatar, a puncture relegated him to 12th place after a tough qualifying and race performance.

Reflecting on his final races with Mercedes, Hamilton admitted the transition has been emotional: “It’s definitely going to feel odd, sad...but we’ll try not to let that deter us from our job, which is to try and win these final races, if possible.”

Looking ahead to his Ferrari debut, Hamilton will team up with Charles Leclerc, a formidable qualifier entering his seventh season. The partnership, alongside Ferrari’s growing competitiveness, positions Hamilton in the mix for the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles in 2025, a critical year before the new F1 regulations debut in 2026.