As the 2024 Formula 1 season nears its conclusion, all eyes are on Lewis Hamilton, one of the sport’s most iconic figures, as he prepares to bid farewell to Mercedes at the end of this year. With just three races left on the calendar, Hamilton’s impending departure from the team marks the conclusion of a historic partnership that has shaped the modern era of Formula 1. After 12 years with the German automaker, the seven-time world champion will take his final lap with Mercedes, ending a journey that began in 2008 and saw unprecedented success, including six drivers’ titles with the team and numerous records that are etched into F1 history.
A Storied Partnership
Lewis Hamilton’s relationship with Mercedes began when he joined the team in 2013, after a long and successful career with McLaren, his previous team. Initially, the move was met with skepticism, as Mercedes was not the dominant force it would later become. But Hamilton and Mercedes were destined for greatness, especially after the advent of the turbo-hybrid era in 2014. From that point onward, the team established itself as the team to beat, with Hamilton at the helm, dominating the sport.
Together, they turned Mercedes into a powerhouse, winning seven consecutive constructors’ championships from 2014 to 2020. Hamilton’s personal accolades were equally impressive. With his first World Championship with Mercedes in 2014, Hamilton proved to be one of the most consistent and talented drivers of his generation. His second championship, secured in 2015, was just the beginning, as he went on to clinch the title in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, reaching seven championships, a feat only matched by Michael Schumacher.
Alongside his championship successes, Hamilton’s achievements also include a plethora of race wins, pole positions, and podium finishes. His aggressive yet calculated driving style, combined with Mercedes’ impeccable engineering, led to a series of dominant seasons, cementing his legacy as one of F1’s greatest drivers. However, his partnership with the team was not without challenges, with the emergence of rival drivers like Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, and Max Verstappen, the latter of whom has now become a central figure in F1, notably threatening Hamilton’s dominance in recent years.
Despite the fierce competition, Hamilton remained a key player in Mercedes’ successes, even during a period of transition as the team struggled to regain its previous level of performance. The 2022 season saw a marked dip in Mercedes’ fortunes, with the team grappling with a problematic car design that limited Hamilton’s ability to challenge for victories. But even in a year of struggle, Hamilton’s work ethic and determination were never in question.
The End of an Era
The announcement that 2024 would be Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes sent shockwaves through the motorsport world. The decision, which had been rumored for several months, was confirmed following a series of discussions between Hamilton and the Mercedes board. The reasons behind the split are multifaceted: Hamilton, who turns 39 in January 2024, has expressed his desire to seek new challenges after more than two decades in Formula 1. Additionally, Hamilton’s relationship with the team has shifted as Mercedes has slowly been restructured and refocused in recent years, particularly with the emergence of rising talents like George Russell, his teammate at Mercedes since 2022.
While Hamilton’s departure is inevitable, the future of Mercedes in Formula 1 remains secure. The team, while facing a period of change, still remains one of the sport’s leading outfits. However, the team’s post-Hamilton era will undoubtedly be a major topic of conversation as the remaining three races of the season unfold. Hamilton’s departure signals the end of an extraordinary partnership, but it also opens the door for new opportunities for both the driver and the team.
For Hamilton, the end of his Mercedes era is an emotional moment, but it is also one that reflects his immense contribution to the team’s success. He has played a pivotal role in the development of the team’s technology and in the evolution of their cars. Many will remember his precision on the track, his mastery of racecraft, and his ability to extract every ounce of performance from the car, whether it was during dry, sunny conditions or in the wettest of rainstorms.
The Final Three Races
With only three races left in the 2024 calendar, Hamilton will look to leave Mercedes with a memorable send-off. The remaining races are crucial for both him and the team, as Mercedes continues to battle for podiums and finishes. Each of these races will hold special significance, as they are Hamilton’s final opportunities to race for Mercedes, the team with which he achieved some of his greatest successes.
The final three races, scheduled for Abu Dhabi, Las Vegas, and Brazil, will provide a fitting stage for Hamilton’s farewell. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a race he has famously dominated in the past, will be the last of his career with Mercedes in the Middle East. The Las Vegas Grand Prix, a new addition to the F1 calendar, promises to bring high drama and spectacle, making it a fitting way for Hamilton to mark his final races in America. Lastly, the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, a track where Hamilton has had numerous triumphs, could be the scene of his final act for Mercedes—a fitting tribute to the driver who made his name with one of the most successful teams in Formula 1 history.
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if Hamilton can secure another victory or a podium finish in these final races. While his immediate future beyond 2024 remains uncertain, there is no doubt that the next few weeks will be a period of reflection for the legendary driver. The Mercedes family, including team principal Toto Wolff and his long-time colleague and friend, will undoubtedly give Hamilton a fitting send-off, honoring his monumental impact on the sport.
A New Chapter Ahead
Looking ahead, Hamilton has suggested he will not retire from motorsport after leaving Mercedes, and many expect him to continue his career in a different capacity. Whether that involves a potential move to another team or a new challenge outside of Formula 1, fans will have to wait for an official announcement. His departure from Mercedes will mark the end of an era, but Hamilton is not done with racing just yet.
For Mercedes, the team now faces the task of adapting to life without their star driver. With George Russell now firmly established as one of the team’s future leaders, Mercedes will look to build upon the foundations Hamilton has helped lay down. The next few years in Formula 1 could be incredibly exciting, but they will certainly not be the same without the presence of one of the sport’s most beloved and successful figures, Lewis Hamilton.
