Lewis Hamilton has completed his emotional Mercedes Formula 1 farewell ahead of his blockbuster move to Ferrari in 2025.
Fans hoping to see Hamilton in red during F1’s post-season Abu Dhabi test weren’t satisfied as the seven-time world champion had contractual obligations to fill with Mercedes.
These were structured around a farewell tour which began with a visit to Mercedes’ title partner Petronas at the energy company’s Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.
“I remember the first time I came to PETRONAS’ Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur after seeing it in movies and I couldn’t believe I was here and got to work with an organisation like this,” Hamilton said on Tuesday.
“To be part of a partnership between our team and PETRONAS that has been so successful, one of the greatest in the history of the sport, is something I am so proud of.
“We’ve achieved so much more than we ever thought were possible. These 12 years are something I will never forget, and, through the highs and the lows, it is always felt that we are a family.”
Over 1000 staff greeted Hamilton in Kuala Lumpur and the seven-time world champion’s farewell tour proceeded to Mercedes’ facility in Stuttgart before culminating at the team’s F1 headquarters in Brackley, UK.
Lewis Hamilton delivers heartfelt message in final Mercedes factory visit
The culmination of Hamilton’s farewell tour was perhaps the most heartfelt given its significance.
For one last time Hamilton addressed the Mercedes F1 team staff, with whom he’s achieved 84 wins, 78 pole positions, 153 podium finishes, six World Drivers’ Championships and eight World Constructors’ Championships since joining in 2013.
“You know, Mercedes has changed my life,” he said.
“Growing up in Stevenage, dreaming of one day being in Formula 1 and being a World Champion. And definitely back then, it was me and my two parents. I didn’t know that there would be a huge amount of people that I get to work with, who would be the ones to life me up and take me on that journey to winning something like that.
“I’m going to always be looking on the screens and seeing where you guys are. I’m always going to be wishing you all the absolute best.
“I believe in you. I’ll continue to believe in you. And when you do have that success, I’ll be so proud of you, to know that I was hopefully a little bit part of your dream that you’re living as well.
“So, a huge thank you to you all. All my love. I want to wish you and your families well.”
Reflecting on an emotional week of goodbyes, Hamilton wrote on Instagram: “This is really it. After Abu Dhabi, after Kuala Lumpur, and after Stuttgart it comes to an end here [Brackley].
“This has been my home. To the thousands of people who work at Brackley and Brixworth, you have been friends and team-mates and I can’t thank you enough for all the hard work and support.
“It’s been real.”
READ MORE – Lewis Hamilton labels Mercedes F1 spell the ‘greatest honour of my life’
