"Our relationship is a legacy": Toto Wolff pens a note for Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff penned an emotional letter for Lewis Hamilton on the eve of the latter's final race with the German team this weekend. The seven-time F1 world champion had been a mainstay at the Brackley-based outfit since the 2013 season and would be leaving them after a 12-year-journey to join Ferrari next season.
In February 2024, the news of Hamilton departing from Mercedes for the Italian team became official. The announcement shocked the motorsport world because the British driver signed a contract extension with the former world champions in August 2023. Notably, he activated his release clause to say 'yes' to the Prancing Horses.
Ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi this weekend, Wolff delivered a touching tribute to Lewis Hamilton on Mercedes's official website and spoke about their "legacy" after a decade-long association. He wrote:
"After 12 incredible years, we get ready to write the final chapter in our racing story with Lewis this weekend. It has been quite a journey. When we first started working together in 2013, we couldn't have imagined what was to come. Six Drivers' World Championships. Eight Constructors' titles. Eighty-four wins. Seventy-eight pole positions. One hundred and fifty-three podium finishes.
The most successful driver and team partnership in F1 history. Many highs that we have enjoyed. Some crushing lows that we've overcome together. Our relationship has meant so much more than just numbers and statistics, though. It is a legacy that transcends our sport, with a lasting impact beyond the racetrack. One that has strived to increase diversity in our sport."
Mercedes team boss speaks on the farewell plan for Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff stated that Lewis Hamilton will have a farewell tour that will begin this weekend and would see him visit Kuala Lumpur, Stuttgart, and the team's F1 operation setups in Brixworth and Brackley, UK.
However, the Austrian spoke about their focus on the Abu Dhabi GP this weekend in their bid to give a perfect sendoff to Hamilton on-track, saying:
"For now, though, our full focus is on the race weekend. There is no better way to mark the end of our time together than with a strong performance on the track. The entire team is focused on adding one more highlight to the reel. We also want to end the season on the front foot."
Lewis Hamilton would not be joining Ferrari after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for the post-season test given he has several sponsorship commitments with Mercedes that would not allow him to leave the German team before the end of this year.
Despite winning twice in 2024, at Silverstone and Spa, it has been a difficult farewell season for the seven-time F1 world champion given his struggles in the W15 alongside George Russell.