The star is gone.
After 246 races in 12 years, the era of Lewis Hamilton (39) at Mercedes is over. the Brit,who raced to six of his seven world championships with the Silver Arrows,is moving to Ferrari next season.
His final Mercedes mission: the Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) Grand Prix, where the Brit finished fourth on Sunday. Minor matter. At the end of the most successful racing team driver pairing (six drivers’ titles, eight constructors’ titles) in Formula 1 history, emotions run high.
Hamilton and his racing engineer Peter Bonnington (49) cry on the team radio after crossing the finish line.
Most recorded radio: “As a team, we have achieved more than we ever dreamed of – thank you for your courage, passion and for seeing me and supporting me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and wish you all the best.”
Team manager Toto Wolff (52) replies: “We love you! You will always remain part of the Mercedes family. If we don’t win, you should do it.”
Before hamilton parks his Mercedes on the home straight, he stirs up dust one last time and makes “donuts” (circles on the spot).
Hamilton pressed the gas one last time at Mercedes – for a donut!
Then he gets out, cheers for the fans and kneels in front of his car. Finally thanks to the money rocket. One last touch.
Hamilton kneeling in front of his car. The last one is about his Silver Arrow
The British will never forget them, but they still want to have souvenir photos. Hamilton took his photo with the mechanics in the pits.
It is one of his last official acts. The star is gone - but it will continue to glow in his heart.
Norris won the race
The winner is almost irrelevant: Lando Norris (25). The briton won the desert race and thus secures his McLaren team’s first constructors’ title since 1998. Nico Hülkenberg took another strong place in eighth place and reached the top ten for the ninth time this season.