Lewis Hamilton ends Mercedes era with cheers, tears and spirited drive

Lewis Hamilton ended his brilliant 12-year tenure at Mercedes with joy and tears after finishing fourth from 16th in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. The seven-time world champion, who will turn 40 before racing with Ferrari next season, sparked emotions with his driving and his words after a classic recovery drive that saw him pass teammate George Russell on the final lap. Seen crossing. An emotional Hamilton later said, “When he (race engineer Pete Bonington) said 'Hammer time', at that very moment I noticed that this was the last time I was going to hear it.” “It really clicked for me in that moment. “It was naturally a very difficult race where I was, I didn't get such a great start here, my teammate next season (nearby Ferrari driver Pointing to Charles Leclerc) and the first term was really very difficult.

“I wasn't losing hope, but it wasn't going as well as I thought.

“I didn't give up, I kept pushing and thinking 'Come on, we can get there' and switched to different tires and the car came to life. I wanted to finish the race on such a high note and give every ounce Wanted me to contribute to the team in the same way as he has given me over the years.”

Before spinning 'donuts' in his car amid the chanting crowd and posing for photos with individual team members, Hamilton spoke candidly about his feelings and his love for the 'Silver Arrows' team in radio exchanges. Was done.

“He was the inspiration of a world champion,” said Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

“A world champion's drive. Amazing!”

Bonington said: “Great drive today, enjoyed it the whole way.”

Hamilton responded: “It's a pleasure for me. We dreamed alone, but together we believed and as a team we achieved things, all your courage, determination to see me and support me. And thank you for the passion.”

“What started as a leap of faith turned into a journey into the history books. We did everything together and I am very grateful from the bottom of my heart to everyone who came back to the factory. All the best.”

Bonington said: “It's been an amazing journey and I'm so grateful to have been a part of this chapter of your lives and all the best for the next chapter.”

In final remarks, team boss Toto Wolff said: “We love you too and you will always be part of the family. And if we can't win, you must win.”

Over 12 seasons, Hamilton started 246 races with Mercedes, a record for a driver with a single team. He won 84, achieved 13 other podium finishes and claimed 78 pole positions and six of his seven drivers' world championships.

“This is surreal. I love you all,” he wrote in a final social media post.