F1 News
Wolff shares emotional farewell to Hamilton: 'Lewis will always be our family'
- Ludo van Denderen
For Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton, a long highly successful partnership comes to an end next Sunday. Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, team boss Toto Wolff extensively praised the Briton before Hamilton switches to rival Ferrari.
"After 12 incredible years, we are getting ready to write the final chapter of our racing story with Lewis this weekend," Wolff stated in the preview of the race. "It's been quite a journey. When we first worked together in 2013, we could not have imagined what was to come."
Next, Wolff reckons: "Six drivers' world championships. Eight constructors' titles. 84 victories. 78 pole positions. 153 podium finishes. The most successful collaboration between a driver and team in the history of Formula 1. Many highs we have enjoyed. Some huge lows we overcame together."
Wolff praises Hamilton's legacy
According to the Austrian team boss, the relationship with Hamilton involved more than "just" the sporting aspect. "There is a legacy that transcends our sport, with a lasting impact beyond the circuit. A legacy that strives to increase diversity in our sport. To fight for inclusion. Lewis has been the catalyst for so much of this and we are honoured and proud to work with him. That work doesn't stop at the end of this year. But it started because Lewis has been driving it."
Wolff argues that next weekend is all about a celebration. "A celebration of everything we have achieved together. Lewis' partnership with Mercedes goes back 26 years. Every lap of his career so far has been powered by the Mercedes star. We will honour this unrivalled story in Abu Dhabi and the week after, when we visit Kuala Lumpur, Stuttgart and eventually Brixworth and Brackley. And although this phase of our relationship is coming to an end, Lewis will always be part of our family."
This article was written in collaboration with Ben Stevens.
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