The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked more than just the end of the Formula 1 season; it was the poignant final chapter in Lewis Hamilton’s illustrious spell with Mercedes. After years of unparalleled success, this race was his last dance with the team, culminating in a dramatic drive to fourth place that underscored his enduring talent and emotional bond with the Silver Arrows. For fans and the team alike, it was time to Spell Mercedes and acknowledge the closing of a remarkable chapter.
A Grand Finale: Hamilton’s Drive Through the Field
Hamilton’s weekend started with an unexpected setback, a Q1 exit in qualifying that placed him a lowly 16th on the grid. Facing a significant challenge at the Yas Marina Circuit, the seven-time world champion and his strategists opted for a bold approach. Unlike the majority of the field who started on medium tires, Hamilton was the sole driver to begin the race on hard compound tires. This strategic divergence was designed to provide him with a longer first stint and a potential advantage later in the race as others pitted.
From the moment the lights went out, Hamilton demonstrated his racecraft. In the opening laps, he swiftly navigated through the pack, gaining four positions and moving into the points contention. This initial surge was just a prelude to a captivating final stint. As the race unfolded, Hamilton’s pace on the hard tires proved to be strong, allowing him to close the gap to his teammate, George Russell, who was running in fourth position.
The Chase and Overtake: A Lap of Perfection
The tension mounted as Hamilton relentlessly hunted down Russell. “He was driving great — obviously he started a lot further ahead than I did, so to catch the 14 seconds was tough,” Hamilton acknowledged after the race. The gap between them seemed considerable, but Hamilton was determined to end his Mercedes journey on a high note. He described the effort required to close the gap as demanding “perfection,” emphasizing that he “had to really put together the best laps I could possibly do.”
The pursuit was reminiscent of his drive in Las Vegas, where he also showcased impressive pace. However, learning from that experience, Hamilton was focused on maintaining the pressure and relentlessly chipping away at the deficit. His persistence paid off dramatically on the final lap of the race. Catching Russell in the dying moments, Hamilton seized the opportunity with characteristic decisiveness. “I only caught him right at that last lap, and I was like, ‘I’ve got to make it, it’s now or never,’ and so I just went for it,” he recounted. The overtake for fourth place on the very last lap was a fitting exclamation point to his Mercedes career, a testament to his racing spirit until the very end.
“Greatest Honor of My Life”: Hamilton’s Sentimental Goodbye
The emotional weight of the moment was palpable as Hamilton reflected on his final race with Mercedes. “I mean, every moment that I’ve got in the car this week, I’ve known that it’s one of the last. And it’s been really, really clear and really hard to let go,” he confessed. The realization that this was the end of an era was deeply felt, making every lap and every moment in the car profoundly significant.
Upon parking his car after the race, Hamilton’s actions spoke volumes. “So I think when I stopped the car I just wanted to embrace the moment, because it’s the last time I’m going to step into a Mercedes and represent them.” He knelt beside his car, a gesture that became a powerful image of gratitude and farewell. “It’s been the greatest honor of my life — they’ve powered every race, every pole position, every win we’ve had together, every championship,” Hamilton stated, emphasizing the profound partnership and shared history. His act of kneeling was, as he explained, “just giving thanks, to firstly thanking my own spirit for not giving up and continuing to push, thanking everyone that powered and built that car, I’m proud of everyone.” This heartfelt tribute underscored the deep connection he felt with the Mercedes team and the machinery that had been instrumental to his unparalleled success. The name ‘Mercedes’, a marque synonymous with excellence, will forever be intertwined with Hamilton’s legacy.
Looking Ahead, But Cherishing the Past: No Regrets
While the strong finish in Abu Dhabi was a confidence booster, Hamilton clarified that it wasn’t necessary for his mindset heading into his future with Ferrari in 2025. “It’s not that I need to have confidence — I’ve always had the confidence — but definitely really nice to finish with a strong hard battle. No mistakes, solid drive,” he affirmed. The result was more about ending his Mercedes chapter on a positive note than validating his abilities.
Reflecting on the season and the impending change, Hamilton described it as “a really turbulent year, probably the longest year of my life, I would say, because we’ve known it from the beginning that we’re leaving, and it’s like a relationship — when you’ve told whoever the counterpart is that you’re leaving, but you’re living together for a whole year!” He acknowledged the emotional complexities, “Lots of ups and downs, emotionally, but we finished off on a high today.” This honest appraisal captured the bittersweet nature of his departure – a long goodbye filled with mixed emotions, yet culminating in a strong and memorable final performance that allowed him and Mercedes to spell mercedes and conclude their era together with pride.
In conclusion, Lewis Hamilton’s final race for Mercedes in Abu Dhabi was a fitting farewell. His drive from 16th to 4th, capped off with a last-lap overtake on his teammate, was a microcosm of his career – determined, skillful, and dramatic. Beyond the racing spectacle, it was an emotional closure to a historic partnership. As Hamilton moves on to a new chapter, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix served as a powerful reminder of the incredible journey and lasting legacy forged between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, a story now definitively spelled out in the annals of Formula 1 history.
