Lewis Hamilton savored his final moments with Mercedes after securing fourth place in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking a memorable end to his tenure with the team.

Starting from 16th position, Hamilton executed a unique strategy by being the only driver to start on hard tires while others chose mediums. His tactical approach paid off as he gained four positions in the opening laps. In a dramatic finish, Hamilton overtook teammate George Russell on the final lap to claim fourth place.

"I had to really put together the best laps I could possibly do," Hamilton reflected on his chase to catch Russell, who had maintained a 14-second lead. The last-lap overtake demonstrated Hamilton's determination to end his Mercedes chapter on a high note.

After the race, Hamilton took a moment to kneel beside his car, expressing gratitude for his time with Mercedes. "It's been the greatest honor of my life," he said, acknowledging the team's role in his numerous poles, wins, and championships.

Despite 2024 being what Hamilton described as "the longest year of my life" due to his impending move to Ferrari, he maintained his focus and determination. "It's been a really turbulent year... but we finished off on a high today," he concluded, reflecting on the emotional journey of his final season with Mercedes.

The strong performance in Abu Dhabi served as a fitting farewell to his Mercedes career, though Hamilton emphasized that it wasn't about building confidence for his future with Ferrari, but rather about ending this chapter properly.

Related Articles

Previous Articles