Hamilton Lifts Mercedes Team Spirit in Final Race Despite Q1 Setback - Allison
Technical director James Allison praised Lewis Hamilton's uplifting impact on Mercedes during his final race in Abu Dhabi, despite starting from 16th place due to an unfortunate Q1 incident with a loose bollard.
Hamilton showcased his exceptional skill by charging through the field to finish fourth, demonstrating the competitive spirit that defined his Mercedes career. The qualifying setback occurred when a bollard, dislodged by Kevin Magnussen's Haas, became lodged under Hamilton's floor.
Race car drifting through tire smoke
During the post-qualifying debrief, Hamilton lifted team morale by encouraging everyone to "put your chins up" and focus on race day opportunities. This positive attitude exemplified the mutual respect and appreciation built during their partnership.
Allison acknowledged that without the qualifying incident, Hamilton likely had the pace for a podium finish. The gaps between P5 and the front row were minimal, suggesting Hamilton could have secured a stronger starting position.
The technical director reflected on their partnership's unprecedented success, noting that no other driver-team combination has matched their achievements in Formula 1. While the fairy-tale ending wasn't achieved, the final race highlighted the strength of their relationship and Hamilton's enduring impact on the team.
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