Seven-time world champion set to bid farewell to Mercedes after a tough season, with Ferrari waiting in 2025

Lewis Hamilton’s remarkable 12-year journey with Mercedes will reach its conclusion at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, but the send-off he once hoped for is unlikely to materialise. “I don’t think it will end on a high,” Hamilton admitted. “What’s important is we turn up and give it our best shot.” After a season marked by frustrations, the Formula 1 legend is set to move to Ferrari in 2025, embarking on a bold new chapter in his illustrious career.

This final race comes after a challenging season in which Hamilton struggled to keep pace with his younger team-mate, George Russell. He experienced flashes of brilliance with victories at Silverstone and Spa, but the season has otherwise been overshadowed by disappointing results, such as a 12th-place finish in Qatar last weekend after receiving two penalties. At one point, Hamilton himself confessed, “I’m definitely not fast any more.”

Despite the challenges, neither Hamilton nor Mercedes is allowing this difficult ending to overshadow their historic achievements. Team principal Toto Wolff reflected on the significance of their partnership: “Nothing is going to take away 12 incredible years. We’ll remember those, not the races that didn’t go our way.” Hamilton’s six world titles with Mercedes, along with 84 of his 105 race victories, make him the most successful driver in the sport’s history.

Their combined dominance is unparalleled. Since joining Mercedes in 2013, Hamilton helped the team secure eight consecutive constructors’ championships and cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats. This weekend’s race marks not only the end of a chapter for Hamilton but also the final act of a partnership that reshaped Formula 1.

Fittingly, Hamilton’s farewell will take place at Yas Marina, where he has won five times, more than any other driver. However, the circuit is also haunted by the infamous 2021 race in which Hamilton was denied a record-breaking eighth title due to controversial decisions by then-race director Michael Masi. That moment of heartbreak is still etched in the minds of many, including Hamilton, who considered leaving the sport entirely.

Instead of reclaiming their dominance, Mercedes faltered under new technical regulations introduced in 2022. The lack of competitiveness contributed to Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari—a team he had long admired. Negotiations with Mercedes in 2023 played a key role in his departure, with Wolff initially offering only a one-year contract. Though they eventually agreed to a deal with an option for a second year, Hamilton sought longer-term stability. Ferrari, offering a lucrative $65 million (£41 million) annual salary and a multi-year commitment, provided the opportunity he was looking for.

Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ trackside engineering director and a close ally of Hamilton, praised the move as both “brave and bold.” He explained: “He wanted to continue racing for more years than we could offer, and the challenge of joining Ferrari is a fitting next chapter.” Beyond racing, Hamilton remains deeply committed to advancing diversity in motorsport—a mission he believes will be more effective from the driver’s seat.

The weekend promises to be emotional for Hamilton and Mercedes alike. Their shared history is filled with triumphs, and the team intends to turn the final race into a celebration of their extraordinary achievements. Despite the challenges, Wolff remains reflective, noting, “He wears his heart on his sleeve, and that’s something we respect. Twelve years of success cannot be diminished by one tough season.”

As the curtain falls on this era, Hamilton looks ahead to the next, aiming to chase that elusive eighth title with Ferrari. His legacy with Mercedes, however, remains indelible—a testament to perseverance, brilliance, and the drive to push boundaries.