Lewis Hamilton struggling to control emotions over 'surreal' Mercedes farewell

Lewis Hamilton said his final Friday practice with Mercedes was “very surreal” as he struggled to keep his emotions in check after spending 12 years with the team. The seven-time champion qualified fifth for Ferrari at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he finished the day keeping alive hopes of a memorable finish in Sunday's race after a disappointing performance in Qatar last Sunday. “It's gone better today,” said Hamilton, who will turn 40 in January when he joins Ferrari. “Pretty surreal! I've tried to be present and enjoy every moment, arriving with the senior engineers, getting ready in the car and I've really enjoyed it.

“With the car, the guys in the garage and the engineers, it's very special. I love this team so much.

“McLaren and Ferrari are very fast and I have to make up some time!”

Having won six of his seven drivers' championships with Mercedes, both the team and Hamilton are celebrating his time with them as the season completes – and Hamilton admitted he is struggling to control his emotions.

“There's no trick to it,” he said. “I'm trying to keep my emotions in check and I haven't been good at that this year. I try to put my energy into the car and the team, the squad. I am staying.

“I've got to give it one last try and I hope the car doesn't change too much tonight and we can be there or thereabouts tomorrow.”