Toto Wolff pays tribute to departing Lewis Hamilton ahead of Abu Dhabi GP

Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Principal, Toto Wolff has given a tribute to Lewis Hamilton who will embark on his 246th and final race with the team in Abu Dhabi.

Feature image credit: Mercedes F1

From February, earlier this year, Mercedes have been aware they will lose Hamilton at the end of the season as the seven-time world champion moves over to Ferrari for 2025.

This weekend’s season finale ends the partnership between Mercedes and Hamilton which spanned from 2013 to 2024, winning; six drivers titles, eight constructors titles, 84 wins, 78 pole positions and 153 podium finishes.

As such, Wolff has praised the relationship between the two parties, he said:

“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. 84 wins. 78 pole positions. 153 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.

“To fight for inclusion. Lewis has been the catalyst for so much of this and we have been honoured and proud to work hand-in-hand with him. That work won’t stop at the end of this year. But it began because of the impetus led by Lewis.”

Record-breaking. Historic. Iconic. Ready to write the final chapter together

Thank you, Lewis pic.twitter.com/eVTlYpAe5y

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 3, 2024

Wolff has described the Abu Dhabi GP weekend as ‘a celebration’ of everything Hamilton and Mercedes accomplished together as the seven-time world champion has been associated with the brand for 26 years.

Every lap Hamilton has completed in his F1 career has been powered by a Mercedes power unit, meaning 2025 will be the first time one of his cars has been powered by a different power unit brand (Ferrari).

Switching his focus to the race weekend, Wolff has added the team are looking to end the season strong, not just for their momentum going into 2025 but to close the chapter with Hamilton by delivering a strong finish.

“There is no better way to mark the end of our time together than with a strong performance on the track,” commented Wolff. “The entire team is focused on adding one more highlight to the reel.

“We also want to end the season on the front foot. That will help us carry momentum into the winter and onwards as we open the next chapter in our story in 2025. With George as the senior driver and Kimi as an exciting rookie talent, our future is bright.

“But let’s end this present chapter in the right way.

“Thank you, Lewis: for one final time, let’s do this”

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• Esteban Ocon expected to stand down from Alpine
• Verstappen claims victory in controlled F1 Qatar GP
• Verstappen loses Qatar GP pole with one-place grid drop in ‘complicated’ penalty

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Kamron Kent

Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.

I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.

Kamron Kent

Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.