Lewis Hamilton makes a fascinating ‘deathbed’ remark ahead of looming Mercedes F1 exit

Lewis Hamilton has stated that he will continue to keep his relations with Mercedes even after leaving them at the end of 2024.

Lewis Hamilton makes a fascinating ‘deathbed’ remark ahead of looming Mercedes F1 exit

Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton (via racefans.net)

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has arrived in Lusail to race for the penultimate time in Mercedes overalls. The 39-year-old will join Ferrari in 2025 after spending 12 glorious years with the Brackley-based team.

Lewis Hamilton is the most decorated driver in the history of the Silver Arrows. Since joining them in 2013, he has won six world championships and amassed 84 wins. His exit from the team is an emotional one for him as well as for millions of his fans around the world.

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Hamilton has claimed that he will always be a part of the Mercedes family, no matter where he goes. The Brit has cited the example of drivers being associated with teams until their deathbed.

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What I’ve always said about Mercedes is that it really is a family. I’ve always said it was one of the hardest parts of the decision because, when you are at Mercedes, you’re a part of the family forever. If you look at the past drivers up until their 80s, until their deathbed, they are a part of the team. They include you and honour you for life.

Lewis Hamilton said (via RacingNews365)

The 39-year-old delivered a stellar performance last weekend at Vegas, finishing P2 after starting from P10 on the grid. His aim will now be to perform similarly and win in his final two races for Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton shares reasons for not taking part in post-season testing for Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton was offered to make his debut for Ferrari in post-season testing for the team after the Abu Dhabi GP. However, Hamilton refused the test, citing his reasons vividly ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO), Ferrari logo (via Ferrari)

Hamilton has claimed that his duties with Mercedes continue until December 31 under his contract. He also said that the team had various plans for his farewell, which made postseason testing with Ferrari unfair.

Driving the red car for the first time in Abu Dhabi does not excite me. In a perfect world, you’d get to drive it and not be seen and do the first rollout next year. When I did raise it, obviously with Toto, they had all these plans that I’ve got to go and see some of the sponsors and say their farewells.  So I don’t think it was ever going to actually be allowed, even if I’d asked to have done it. But because I’m contracted to the team until December 31st—and that’s totally fine. 

Lewis Hamilton said (via Motorsportweek)

The postseason testing would have given Hamilton a better feel of the Ferrari car for 2025. Nevertheless, the 39-year-old is confident that he will catch up to speed with the Maranello-based team. His priorities solely lie with Mercedes as of now.