Two races left for the Silver Arrows: Hamilton reflects on leaving Mercedes, a farewell to an iconic partnership – Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One World Champion, is on the verge of ending his illustrious chapter with Mercedes.
After more than a decade of dominance, personal growth and a string of historic milestones, Hamilton is preparing for his final two races with the team that helped define his legacy. The impending transition, which will see Hamilton don Ferrari red from 2025, marks a poignant moment in the Briton’s storied career.
Horner reveals Verstappen secret
Reflecting on the final days
As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix approaches, Hamilton admits the weight of his departure is starting to sink in. In a candid conversation with Peter Bonnington, his long-time race engineer affectionately known as Bono, Hamilton realised just how close the finish line is.
“I was sitting with Bono the other day and I thought, ‘Wow, only two more races together,'” said Hamilton, his words tinged with nostalgia.
While he remains calm now, Hamilton expects the emotions to intensify in the coming weeks.
“I’ve had the whole year to think about it, but I can’t predict how I’m going to feel next Sunday after the race, or the days after, or even at Christmas. It’s not easy. It hasn’t been easy all year.”
The 39-year-old is no stranger to change, but the thought of leaving a team that has been his home since 2013 evokes mixed feelings.
“I remember when I first joined this team,” Hamilton recalled. “It was strange to drive past my old team in the pit lane, so much so that I even stopped at their team once. So it will be tough.”
A bond beyond racing
For Hamilton, Mercedes is more than just a workplace; it’s a family. That sense of belonging, forged through shared triumphs and trials, has made his departure particularly bittersweet.
“Mercedes really is a family,” he insists. “At Mercedes you are part of the team for life. They honour you and your contributions, even when you are no longer active”.
This family bond has been a cornerstone of his success, a unique connection that extends beyond the race track. From deep conversations with the late Niki Lauda to shared moments of celebration with the team, Hamilton cherishes the memories that define his time with the Silver Arrows.
“I will always be part of the history of this team,” Hamilton reflected.
“I’ll always be able to come back, visit the museum and know that I was part of the history of this brand.”
Norris laughs off Verstappen claim
The final push
Hamilton’s focus remains firmly on the remaining races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Despite the bittersweet context, his priority is clear: to end the season on a high.
“I don’t need closure, but of course we want to finish strong,” he said. The Mercedes camp recently celebrated a morale-boosting victory in Las Vegas, with team-mate George Russell winning the race and Hamilton a close second. The double podium was a fitting reminder of what they’ve achieved together.
“I could have just driven past George and waved to him, but this was a tribute to the team,” explained Hamilton, referring to the moment he drove alongside Russell after the race.
“It was a reminder of what we’ve achieved together.”
For the upcoming races, Hamilton’s goals remain modest but significant.
“I just want us to do our best. These races won’t change our history together. We’ve already achieved everything – more than we ever expected. But of course it would be great if we could win again.”
No Ferrari test yet
Hamilton’s long-awaited move to Ferrari is imminent, but his first opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Scuderia’s car will have to wait. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur had floated the idea of Hamilton taking part in post-season testing in Abu Dhabi, but a packed schedule with Mercedes has ruled that out.
Mercedes have planned a series of farewell events for Hamilton, including a major appearance at a Petronas event in Malaysia on the day of the test. Ferrari have been informed that the Briton will not be available, a decision that Hamilton himself seems happy with.
“I know it’s what Fred wanted, but I was torn myself,” admitted Hamilton.
“Driving the red car for the first time in Abu Dhabi doesn’t really appeal to me. In a perfect world, you would drive it without being seen and do the first roll-out next year.”
Hamilton revealed that his commitment to Mercedes would probably have prevented him from taking part even if he had asked.
“But it’s perfectly fine. It doesn’t bother me because I didn’t want to do the test. Fred knows that too”.
Mario Andretti refutes speculation surrounding his son
Delayed start with Ferrari
Hamilton admits his decision to skip the test has created challenges for his transition to Ferrari.
“Am I missing out on anything? Absolutely. It delays the process and makes the start of the year more difficult,” he admitted. “But we will do our best to catch up.”
Despite these challenges, Hamilton remains optimistic about the future, even as he prepares to leave the team where he has carved out his legacy. His bond with Mercedes and the mark he has left on the team will endure.
Jos Verstappen ‘about turn’ over Perez
A legacy secured
As the curtain falls on Hamilton’s time with Mercedes, his impact on the team and the sport is undeniable. From record-breaking championship runs to moments of sportsmanship and solidarity, Hamilton’s tenure with Mercedes has been nothing short of legendary.
In the end, Hamilton leaves with no regrets, only gratitude.
“It’s been an incredible journey that I have really loved,” he said. And as he prepares to step into the world of Ferrari, Hamilton takes the lessons, relationships and memories of Mercedes with him – proof that while his chapter with the Silver Arrows may be closing, his story with them will remain forever.
READ MORE – Jos Verstappen ‘about turn’ over Perez
MORE F1 NEWS – Update on Michael Schumacher
New Michael Schumacher revelations from close friend – Michael Schumacher was hailed the greatest Formula One driver ever when he claimed his record seventh drivers world championship in 2004. He remains the only driver in F1 history to win five consecutive titles 2000-04 before he retired from the sport at the end of the 2006 season.
Ferrari lost their competitive edge due to rule changes and so the former ace decided the time was right for him to step back from front line racing. He became an advisor to Ferrari and effectively Jean Todts number two in the team structure as he oversaw the Ferrari development programme at the Jerez circuit. He focused on testing electronics and tyres for the 2008 season.
Yet as is often the case with F1 champions, Michael felt he had unfinished business in the sport and was persuaded by the newly acquired Mercedes team to return alongside Nico Rosberg as one of their drivers in 2010…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
Hamilton has not refused Ferrari test, Mercedes blocked it because of his contract with them. Having said that there are a lot of Ferrari fans who don’t want Hamilton anyway, too old and getting worse as a driver, should have kept Carlos Sainz !
Hamilton would not want to do the test because it would directly show his inferiority to Carlos and potentially Charles