• 10 Dec, 2024
• khalad
• No comment

Formule 1 : Auf Wiedersehen Lewis, Ciao Lewis

“Last Dance”, under the shimmering lights of the Abu Dhabi circuit, a chapter in Formula 1 history has closed. Lewis Hamilton, the British prodigy, raced his final Grand Prix with Mercedes, ending a legendary twelve-year partnership. Together, they conquered eight constructors’ titles and six drivers’ titles, forging an unbreakable alliance.

Photos : Mercedes F1/Petronas/Lewis Hamilton/ DR

An unexpected move to Ferrari

The news hit the paddock like a bombshell : Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari in 2025. Although rumors had been circulating, the official announcement revealed underlying tensions within Mercedes. The challenges posed by the new cars and the allure of a fresh challenge at Ferrari weighed heavily in Lewis’s decision.

A unique symbiosis between driver and team

What makes this separation so poignant is the exceptional chemistry between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. Together, they redefined the standards of Formula 1, both on the sporting and societal fronts. As a black athlete, Lewis used his fame to champion essential causes like diversity and inclusion, with unwavering support from Mercedes.

Photos : Mercedes F1/Petronas/Lewis Hamilton/ DR

Seasons of glory and challenges

Recent seasons have been marked by growing challenges for Lewis Hamilton, whose dominance was tested by fierce competition. The tensions related to the car’s performance and the driver’s personal ambitions inevitably created friction. Despite these difficult moments, Lewis and Mercedes expressed mutual gratitude and emphasized the importance of their collaboration.

Toto Wolff/Lewis Hamilton duo

An emotional Toto Wolff declared, “We spent 12 years with Lewis. It’s the longest and most successful partnership in this sport. A relationship like this creates a bond, trust, and shared values that are rare these days.” For twelve years, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes formed an unbeatable duo, accumulating victories and redefining the sport’s standards. Their relationship, founded on trust and mutual respect, allowed Lewis to become one of the greatest drivers of all time.

Shared values

The farewells between Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton are filled with respect and gratitude. Despite his departure, the Mercedes F1 director will continue to support him.

A tribute to an exceptional career

To celebrate this end of a chapter, Mercedes launched a global campaign in collaboration with the agency AMV BBDO. Titled “Every Dream Needs a Team,” this campaign pays tribute to Lewis Hamilton’s achievements and inspires the next generation of drivers. Iconic photographs of Lewis and the Mercedes F1 team will illuminate monuments around the world, from Kuala Lumpur to Times Square. During the race weekend in Abu Dhabi, Lewis carried the campaign’s message on his car, accompanied by the names of 150 fans representing the millions of supporters who have followed his incredible journey.

Photos : Mercedes F1/Petronas/Lewis Hamilton/ DR

New beginning for Lewis and Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton’s departure marks the end of an era for Mercedes and the beginning of a new chapter for the driver. At Ferrari, he will face new challenges and write a new page of his legend. Mercedes, meanwhile, will have to rebuild around new talents while preserving the legacy left by Lewis. Lewis Hamilton’s farewell to Mercedes is a historic moment for Formula 1. Though tinged with nostalgia, this separation should not overshadow the immense successes of their collaboration. The legacy of this alliance will endure, and Lewis will forever be linked to Mercedes’s history, thank you Lewis !!

Photos : Mercedes F1/Petronas/Lewis Hamilton/ DR