Lewis Hamilton fights back tears as he sends classy tribute to Mercedes colleagues ahead of Ferrari switch
Following an emotional final dance with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton fought back tears and entertained supporters with doughnuts.
Still in shock from a terrible qualifying session that saw him start the race in 16th place, the seven-time world champion strode into the paddock wearing a Ferrari red suit.
However, after 12 dazzling years with Mercedes, he displayed what Toto Wolff called the drive of a world champion to finish in fourth place before joining Ferrari for the upcoming season.
With 78 of his 104 poles, 84 of his 105 race victories, and six of his seven championships with Merc, he has been a part of the most successful team-driver combination in Formula One history.
“The pleasure’s been mine,” Hamilton remarked on his team radio after the race, fighting back tears. Only we dreamed. But we all shared a belief. And working together, we accomplished things that only
I appreciate all of your bravery, tenacity, and enthusiasm in seeing me and standing by me.
“What began as an act of faith evolved into a historical expedition. We accomplished everything together, and for that, I am incredibly thankful to everyone. Best wishes from the bottom of my heart.”
“Thank you, Lewis,” replied Peter Bonnington, his race engineer, over the radio. This adventure has been incredible.
I wish you luck in the upcoming chapter of your life and am really thankful to have been a part of this one.”
“We also love you, and you will always be a part of that family,” Wolff continued. And you ought to prevail if we are unable to.
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After a terrible qualifying session in which his team sent him out too late and a bollard got stuck underneath his car while he was flying, Hamilton made an incredible comeback.
Due to penalties for Alex Albon and Charles Leclerc, he began in 16th place on the grid but was eliminated in 18th.
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Hamilton started the last lap on George Russell’s tail and closed on him while riding on new tires.
After Russell defended to the inside, Hamilton utilized his stronger tires to pass him around the lengthy, fast Turn Nine. Hamilton had closed in on the two long straights.
Lewis, that was the motivation of a world champion, Wolff continued. Fantastic.
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