Lewis Hamilton has admitted to battling with his emotions during what has become a deeply personal final season with Mercedes, as he prepares to close a remarkable 12-year chapter with the team. The 39-year-old, who has signed a multi-year deal with Ferrari starting in 2025, will compete in his last race for the Silver Arrows at Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Reflecting on the year, Hamilton acknowledged the challenges he has faced both on and off the track. “It’s been a very emotional year for me, and I don’t think I’ve been the best at handling my emotions,” he said as per the reports of Leaders of Asia. “You’ve seen the best of me and the worst of me, but I’m not going to apologize as I’m human.”
Hamilton, who secured six of his seven world titles with Mercedes, has struggled to recapture his dominant form since narrowly missing out on a record-breaking eighth championship in 2021. That controversial finale in Abu Dhabi marked a turning point, with Mercedes subsequently lagging behind rivals Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari in the constructors’ standings.
This season has been a rollercoaster. Despite a stellar victory at Silverstone in July, his first win in nearly two years, Hamilton’s performances have been inconsistent. It took him 10 races to secure a podium finish, placing third in Barcelona, and he expressed frustration in Qatar, where he commented, “I’m definitely not fast anymore,” after a tough sprint qualifying.
According to the Leaders of Asia sources, the decision to join Ferrari was announced before the season began, a move that Hamilton admits led to an “awkward” first meeting with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. “I anticipated it would be difficult but underestimated just how hard it would be,” Hamilton said. “Realizing these are my last moments with the team, it’s not the greatest feeling.”
Despite the bittersweet farewell, Hamilton is optimistic about the future. “Joining Ferrari is a dream scenario for any driver,” he said. “But it’s not an easy step—it takes time to build relationships and learn new tools.”
Hamilton currently sits seventh in the drivers’ standings, 24 points behind teammate George Russell. As he looks ahead to his final race with Mercedes, Hamilton admits the emotions will run high. “These days will be super emotional,” he said, underscoring the significance of closing this chapter the right way.
