F1 News
Hamlton to join in with post-race celebrations to say goodbye to Mercedes
The season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the end of what has been another fantastic season in the world of Formula 1. But today, it's not just the end of the F1 season, it will also see departing drivers from teams, with one of them being Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025. One of the most successful drivers and team partnerships will be no more after Sunday's Grand Prix, and after the race, the Brit will be a part of the post-race celebrations to mark the occasion.
Hamilton joined Mercedes to start the 2013 season, leaving McLaren, the team he made his debut for in 2007 and then won the world championship a year later. Many factors intrigued the Brit to join the German team, but one of the main reasons was the late Niki Lauda, who Hamilton still talks about to this day.
Since joining, Hamilton and Mercedes were unstoppable for many years, earning six drivers' championships, and eight constructors' championships, breaking multiple records and becoming one of the most successful drivers and team partnerships the sport has ever seen. However, after just missing out on a record-breaking eight world title in 2021, Mercedes have not found their way back to the front of the grid, highlighted by a very tricky 2024 season. Before that season got underway, it was announced that Hamilton would be leaving for Ferrari in 2025.
Hamilton to join the top 3 for post-race celebrations
To mark the end of Hamilton and Mercedes' time together in F1, the 39-year-old will join the front three on their post-race lap around the track, coming down the start/finish straight at the Yas Marina Circuit to celebrate in front of the fans, with the FIA post-race document saying, "After taking the chequered flag, the top three drivers and driver of car number 44 [Hamilton, ed.] should stay on the track, drop back of the field and then drive directly to the Grid, where there will be the opportunity for post-championship celebrations should they wish to do so."
These celebrations after a Grand Prix has concluded draw similarities to a driver who may be retiring from the sport altogether and celebrating his career, not just leaving a team to race again in 2025. Carlos Sainz is leaving Ferrari for Williams for the 2025 season, as well as Nico Hulkenberg who will also change teams, but they are not involved in any post-race celebrations on the grid.
However, the celebration of one of the greatest F1 partnerships will happen after the Grand Prix in the Middle East, with Mercedes saying that the post-race celebrations will mark the journey that they have both shared together. Along with this, there are also planned goodbyes with all the team factories and sponsors in Germany, the UK and Malaysia.
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