Lewis Hamilton reflects on 11 years at Mercedes ahead of last race: “The records we’ve broken, championships we’ve won… speaks for itself”

AS Lewis Hamilton prepares to take the track for his final race with Mercedes at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tomorrow (Dec 8), the seven-time World Champion has shared a heartfelt reflection on what has been an incredible chapter in both his career and Formula 1 history.

For over a decade, Hamilton has been at the forefront of Mercedes' dominance in the sport, with a partnership that transformed not only the team but also the entire landscape of Formula 1.

Since joining Mercedes in 2013, Hamilton has gone on to rewrite the record books, securing an unprecedented number of victories, podium finishes, and, of course, six out of his seven World Championships with the team — tied with Michael Schumacher for the most in F1 history.

In a moving post on Instagram ahead of his last race with Mercedes, Hamilton wrote: "This is really it. My last race with @mercedesamgf1. What we’ve built together over the years is nothing short of historic. People doubted me making this move in 2013, and here we are now. The records we’ve broken, the championships we’ve won, it all speaks for itself."

Hamilton's switch to Mercedes, which came after a long tenure at McLaren, was initially met with skepticism. Many questioned his decision to leave a team that had been his home for the early part of his career. Yet, in hindsight, the move proved to be nothing short of transformative. Over the years, Hamilton and Mercedes have dominated the sport, winning 8 Constructors' Championships and breaking countless records, from the most pole positions to the most Grand Prix wins by a British driver.

Reflecting on this legacy, Hamilton continued: "This won’t be the last time I thank Mercedes, but going into my final race with this team is really hitting me now. It’s really the end of an era in my life, in my career, for the team, and in F1 history."

In addition to his championship titles, Hamilton's influence has extended beyond the track. He has become an outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion in motorsport, using his platform to address issues of racism and push for positive change within the sport. His commitment to environmental sustainability and philanthropic work has further cemented his status as a global icon.

Looking ahead, Hamilton is set to join Ferrari for the 2025 season, where he will embark on a new chapter in his career, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another. The move to the iconic Italian team promises to bring fresh challenges and excitement as Hamilton aims to add more titles to his already illustrious career.

As the 2024 season draws to a close, Hamilton's legacy at Mercedes and in Formula 1 will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most successful, pioneering, and inspiring in the history of the sport.

Hamilton's final race with Mercedes is not just the end of an era for him personally, but also for the team, who will now move forward with a new era in F1. "I’m proud of what we’ve created, I’m proud of every single person that’s been part of this with me. Thank you. It’s been real, now let’s go again one more time."