“It's like I'm retiring”: Lewis Hamilton says he’ll ’stick around for a while’ after an emotional Mercedes farewell
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton acknowledged Mercedes' emotional farewell at the Abu Dhabi GP, saying it felt like he was retiring from the sport. Further shutting down retirement rumors, the British driver claimed that he plans to stick around in the paddock for a while.
Hamilton's final race with Mercedes was an emotional episode. The team paid him a tribute for his historic 11-year journey. The 39-year-old was greeted warmly by the whole paddock, including Peter Bono, Toto Wolff, and George Russell.
In the post-race interview, Hamilton poured out his true feelings. He stated that while the retirement phase will be challenging, he plans to stick around in F1 for a while.
"Yeah it's crazy 'cause it's like I'm retiring. I'm like 'I'm still here. Shoot... The retirement days will be the worst. It's gonna be bad. Gonna stick around for a while," said Hamilton.
For the next seven days, the Briton will be on a farewell tour where he will meet Mercedes' title sponsor, Petronas, in Malaysia before landing in Germany to address the team at Mercedes-Benz headquarters. In addition, Hamilton will also visit the Brackley and Brixworth factories in the UK.
With the historic Mercedes partnership behind him, the seven-time world champion will don the red suit to drive for Scuderia Ferrari in the 2025 F1 season. He announced the surprising move earlier this year in February. A multi-year deal will keep him in Maranello beyond the 2025 season.
Lewis Hamilton previously claimed that driving for Ferrari was his childhood dream. The offer from Italy fell into place, and after much contemplation, he decided to take a leap of faith. The unexpected driver transfer sent shockwaves across the F1 community as Hamilton had signed a 2-year extension contract with Mercedes five months before the leak.
As the British driver embarks on a new chapter of his successful racing career, Mercedes signed a deal with 18-year-old rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Kimi will replace Hamilton and pair up with George Russell to race for the Silver Arrows in the 2025 F1 season.
Lewis Hamilton assesses his career with Mercedes: The greatest honor of my life
Following the end of his 11-year journey with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton said that driving in the black suit was the greatest honor of his life. The whole weekend in Abu Dhabi was an emotional ride for him, but looking back, he is proud of every achievement.
Speaking to The Guardian, Hamilton described his tenure with the Silver Arrows and stated:
"When I stopped the car I just wanted to embrace the moment, because it’s the last time I’m going to step into a Mercedes and represent them, it’s been the greatest honour of my life. I’m proud of every race, every pole position, every win we’ve had together, every championship, so when I knelt next to it I was just giving thanks, firstly thanking my own spirit for continuing to push, thanking everyone that powered and built that car. I’m proud of everyone," he added.
At the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton qualified P18 after a bollard got stuck in his car, ruining his final lap. However, on Sunday, the 39-year-old recovered significantly to finish P4. Moreover, with a flying last lap, he crossed the checkered flag ahead of his teammate, George Russell, in the pecking order. Hamilton entertained the fans with a few rounds of donuts before bidding a final goodbye to the Mercedes garage.