Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes Farewell ‘Surreal’ but Briton Hopeful of Being ‘In the Mix’ at Abu Dhabi GP

As Formula 1 heads into its final race of the 2024 season in Abu Dhabi, Lewis Hamilton has described his farewell to Mercedes as “surreal,” acknowledging the emotional weight of bidding adieu to the team that has defined much of his iconic career. However, the British racing legend remains optimistic, confident that he will be “in the mix” as he aims for a competitive finish at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Hamilton, 39, has been a central figure in Mercedes’ dominance over the past decade, securing seven World Championships and becoming one of the sport’s most successful and celebrated drivers. His partnership with Mercedes has not only solidified his status as one of Formula 1’s greatest but has also been a catalyst for change, particularly in his advocacy for diversity and inclusion within motorsport.

This year marks a poignant shift, with Hamilton’s contract coming to an end, and with reports circulating about his future in the sport, speculation about his next steps has intensified. It is understood that this could be his last race with Mercedes, signaling the end of an era for both the team and the driver. His departure has stirred a wave of emotions across the F1 paddock, as Hamilton bids farewell to the team that helped him achieve so much.

“I still can’t quite believe it, to be honest. It feels surreal that this could be the last race with Mercedes, a team that I’ve spent so many years with,” Hamilton shared in a press conference ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. “It’s been an incredible journey, full of highs and some lows, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve made friends for life here, and I’ll always be thankful for what we’ve achieved together.”

Despite the emotional aspects of this potential farewell, Hamilton is determined to leave Mercedes on a high. With the 2024 season having been a challenging one for the Silver Arrows, Hamilton knows that his final race will be key in proving that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level, even in uncertain circumstances.

“Mercedes and I are going to give it everything we’ve got this weekend,” he declared. “We’ve faced a lot of difficulties this year, but that’s motorsport. The car has improved, and we’re in a better position now than we were earlier in the season. Abu Dhabi always provides great opportunities for us to perform well, and I hope we can be in the mix with the top guys.”

Hamilton’s comments come at a time when the team has faced a more competitive grid in 2024, with the rise of Red Bull’s dominance under Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s resurgence. Nevertheless, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has historically been a circuit where Hamilton has shown his skill, securing multiple victories, including his unforgettable triumph in 2019, and where his adaptability in tight races has often come to the forefront.

The Mercedes team, though not as dominant as it was in previous seasons, has displayed signs of resurgence in the latter half of 2024. Hamilton has worked closely with the engineering team to extract more performance from the car, and recent updates to the car have given him cause for optimism ahead of the season finale.

While his future with Mercedes remains uncertain, Hamilton’s commitment to the team and his love for racing have not wavered. It is widely believed that, regardless of where he ends up in 2025, Hamilton’s competitive spirit will remain undiminished.

As the lights go out in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton will likely be focused on the task at hand—achieving the best possible result in what could be his final race for Mercedes. With the uncertainty surrounding his future, the 39-year-old has insisted that he is not done yet, determined to show the world that he can still fight for podiums and victories, regardless of which team he represents.

“This sport means everything to me,” Hamilton said. “It’s been my passion since I was a kid, and I want to keep fighting at the highest level. No matter what happens next season, I’ll always give my best.”

Mercedes has been a pivotal part of Hamilton’s career, and this final race with the team will mark the closing of one of the most successful chapters in F1 history. Whether it’s his farewell or a continuation of his journey, Hamilton’s legacy in the sport is already secure, but he remains hopeful that he can add one more memorable chapter at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

As Hamilton and Mercedes prepare for one final push in 2024, F1 fans worldwide will be watching, not just for the result, but for the emotional moments that come with the end of an era.