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Every story has an end. No matter how long something lasts, it will have to end at some point. The best example of this is Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. When the Briton arrived at this team many years ago, as a huge talent, many didn't know what to expect. However, his adventure with the German team was anything but a negative experience. Hamilton managed to win the championship six times.
However, since the moment he controversially lost the title in Abu Dhabi in 2021, many things have gone downhill for him. The 39-year-old will compete for the German team in Abu Dhabi for the last time, which arouses mixed emotions among fans.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes boss, was an important figure in Hamilton's development and a man who often commented on his performances. Toto Wolff decided to say goodbye to Lewis in a long message, stressing what they had achieved together. Wolff is aware that this is the last chapter, marking this journey as special.
The Mercedes boss admits that with the arrival of Hamilton, he didn't know that things would go in this direction.
"After 12 incredible years, we get ready to write the final chapter in our racing story with Lewis this weekend. It has been quite a journey. When we first started working together in 2013, we couldn't have imagined what was to come. Six Drivers' World Championships. Eight Constructors' titles. 84 wins. 78 pole positions. 153 podium finishes. The most successful driver and team partnership in F1 history. Many highs that we have enjoyed. Some crushing lows that we've overcome together." - Toto Wolff said, as quoted by Crash.
Toto Wolff points out that their relationship with Lewis Hamilton is not just a collection of numbers and statistics, but a deep legacy that surpasses the boundaries of the sport itself, leaving a lasting impact off the track. There are many shared days, sleepless nights, exciting races, and moments that we'll probably know more about in the future.
Lewis Hamilton has decided that it's time for a new chapter in his career, accepting Ferrari's invitation, considering that this is the team in which he can revive his career.
Regarding the impact that Toto talked about, he stresses that it includes efforts to increase diversity and the fight for inclusion within Formula 1, making the sport more accessible and representative for all. Lewis Hamilton wasn't only a driver, he was a person who tended to speak about global problems, such as equal rights for all, inclusion, and much more. Some have criticized the Briton for this, saying he should focus more on racing, but Lewis has never changed his views or philosophy.
Hamilton was the driving force behind many of these changes, and Wolff and the team are proud to have worked alongside him, initiating that this work will not stop at the end of this year, because it all started thanks to Hamilton's initiative. The Briton has left a deep mark, and no one can take that away from him.
Toto Wolff: This weekend is a celebration
Toto Wolff doesn't want to be too sad about the parting, preferring to consider this weekend a celebration. Given the successes they have achieved together, the Mercedes boss wants to put the emphasis on celebration, and positive emotions. Hamilton and Mercedes are a story that will surely be talked about for years to come, but that story also had to come to an end.
“This weekend is a celebration,” he continued.
"A celebration of everything that we have accomplished together. Lewis's association with Mercedes goes back 26 years. Every lap of his career so far has been powered by the three-pointed star."
Wolff announces that he'll pay tribute to the great story of his partnership with Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi, and then over the next week with visits to Kuala Lumpur, Stuttgart, Brixworth, and Brackley. This tribute will be made with the knowledge that, although this phase of their collaboration is coming to an end, Hamilton will forever stay part of their family.
Nevertheless, the entire team is currently focused on the last race of the season, because there is no better way to mark the end of their journey together than with an impressive performance on the track. The team wants this story to end in a positive way. It's difficult to expect that Hamilton can achieve any greater success, given the inconsistency of this season, but this race will certainly be interesting and specific in many ways.
F1 fans are eagerly awaiting Abu Dhabi, although the question of the championship winner has already been resolved. This race carries enormous historical importance. Hamilton knows this very well.
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