Toto Wolff lauds Lewis Hamilton ahead of the champion’s final Mercedes F1 race

The tributes have begun.

The 2024 Formula 1 season draws to a close with this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and it marks not only the end of a thrilling campaign but brings to a close the most productive driver-team pairing in the history of the sport. Lewis Hamilton’s time with Mercedes will come to an end after this weekend, as the living legend moves to Ferrari for the 2025 campaign.

After 12 seasons, Six Drivers’ World Championships, eight Constructors’ titles, 84 wins, 78 pole positions, and 153 podiums, just one race remains.

In his media preview of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff paid tribute to Hamilton’s time with Mercedes.

“Our relationship has meant so much more than just numbers and statistics, though. It is a legacy that transcends our sport, with a lasting impact beyond the racetrack. One that has strived to increase diversity in our sport. To fight for inclusion,” began Wolff. “Lewis has been the catalyst for so much of this and we have been honoured and proud to work hand-in-hand with him. That work won’t stop at the end of this year. But it began because of the impetus led by Lewis.”

Wolff then highlighted how the team will use the season finale — and the week after — to [honor] Hamilton and his accomplishments with Mercedes.

“This weekend is a celebration. A celebration of everything that we have accomplished together. Lewis’s association with Mercedes goes back 26 years. Every lap of his career so far has been powered by the three-pointed star,” added Wolff. “We will [honor] this unparalleled story in Abu Dhabi and across the following week as we visit Kuala Lumpur, Stuttgart, then finally Brixworth and Brackley. And honour it knowing that, whilst this phase of our relationship is coming to an end, Lewis will always be a part of our family.”

As for the final race of the 2024 season, the Mercedes boss believes the best way to honor Hamilton and his time with the team is by putting in a good performance at Yas Marina.

“For now, though, our full focus is on the race weekend. There is no better way to mark the end of our time together than with a strong performance on the track,” added Wolff. “The entire team is focused on adding one more highlight to the reel. We also want to end the season on the front foot. That will help us carry momentum into the winter and onwards as we open the next chapter in our story in 2025. With George as the senior driver and Kimi as an exciting rookie talent, our future is bright. But let’s end this present chapter in the right way.

“Thank you, Lewis: for one final time, let’s do this.”