Hamilton to go to grid after F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix per post-race procedure

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton is set to join the post-race celebrations regardless of where he finishes the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

Feature image credit: Mercedes F1

It has been a mixed weekend for the seven-time world champion as he prepares to say goodbye to a team which helped him deliver six of his seven world titles, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1. 

However, regardless of where the multiple world champion finishes the race, he has been told – as part of the FIA’s post-race procedure – to remain out on track at the end of the season finale. 

From there the top three can complete an opportunity for post-championship celebrations before lining up under the start light gantry, where the first, second and third-place boards will be placed. 

In the document, it states:

“After taking the chequered flag the top three (3) drivers and driver of car 44 (if outside of top three (3)) should stay on track, drop to the back of the field and then proceed directly to the Grid where there will be the opportunity for post-championship celebrations should they wish to do so.

“Following these celebrations, they should proceed towards the start light gantry where they will find the 1, 2, 3 boards.”

Can’t believe it but the day has finally come, our 246th and final race together with @LewisHamilton 🥹 pic.twitter.com/VefGh54v3Z

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 8, 2024

Ahead of the event, Hamilton is set to compete in his 246th – and final – Grand Prix with the eight-time constructors champions before he moves over to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season, partnering alongside Charles Leclerc. 

However, Hamilton will start the race further back than he would’ve wanted in his final outing with Mercedes. 

This came after a bollard got stuck under his car, knocked off its perch by Haas’ Kevin Magnussen, which impacted his final corners and resulted in Hamilton being knocked out of qualifying in Q1. 

“It is difficult to say what would have been possible if we had made it through to the final part of Qualifying. We have been looking good across the practice sessions so I think we could have challenged for the first couple of rows. 

“It is what it is though, and I will be giving it my all to end as strongly as we can tomorrow. It will be difficult from P16, but I will be trying to enjoy it as much as possible and make up as many positions as we can.”

On Saturday, the seven-time world champion qualified 18th but he will start the Grand Prix in 16th after Leclerc and Williams’ Alexander Albon serve their grid penalties.

Read more Formula 1 here:

• Hulkenberg slapped with three-place grid penalty for overtaking on pit exit
• Norris takes vital pole at Abu Dhabi GP whilst disaster strikes for Ferrari
• Piastri heads Norris in final practice of 2024 in F1 Abu Dhabi GP
• Both McLarens top second practice to end Friday’s action at Abu Dhabi GP
• Albon, Colapinto and Leclerc to take penalties for Abu Dhabi GP
• Leclerc fastest in Abu Dhabi GP FP1

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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.