Abu Dhabi, Dec 8 (NationPress) The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix served as an ideal backdrop to honor the seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton as he departs from Mercedes, concluding an 11-year journey that established him as one of the sport's greatest drivers.

From Team Principal and longtime ally Toto Wolff reviving the iconic ‘It’s hammer time’ catchphrase to a poignant moment at the end when Wolff acknowledged that if Mercedes couldn’t assist Hamilton in securing the much-coveted eighth championship, then he should pursue it elsewhere, it was a heartfelt race that underscored his bond with the team.

The Englishman exhibited flashes of his former brilliance, recovering from a P16 start to finish the race in fourth place. Hamilton was the only competitor to begin on hard tires and was the last to pit for a tire swap. He returned to the track on fresher medium tires in P7 and caught up with teammate George Russell before the race concluded, overtaking him on the outside of Turn 9 on the final lap to secure P4.

As the checkered flag fell, marking the conclusion of Hamilton's career with Mercedes, the 39-year-old reflected on his journey with Race Engineer Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington.

“The pleasure’s been mine. Yea Bono, we dreamed alone, but together we believed. And as a team, we achieved things that… Thank you for all the courage, the determination, the passion, and for seeing me and supporting me. What started out as a leap of faith turned into a journey into the history books. We did everything together and I’m so so grateful to everyone. From the bottom of my heart, all the best,” said an emotional Hamilton.

One of the most beautiful chapters in Formula One history concluded as Hamilton joins Ferrari in hopes of clinching another championship. His time with the Silver Arrows saw him compete in 356 Grand Prix races, achieving 84 race wins—the most ever by a driver for a single team—and securing 153 podium finishes.

His six drivers' championships and eight constructors' titles with the team are a testament to his incredible career.