The countdown has begun for the conclusion of one of the most legendary driver-team alliances in Formula 1 history. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, is set to part ways with Mercedes at the end of the season, bringing to an end a remarkable 12-year partnership with the Silver Arrows. Hamilton is embarking on a new chapter with Ferrari, signing a two-year deal that marks a significant shift in the F1 landscape.
Lewis Hamilton’s initial move to Mercedes in 2013 was met with widespread skepticism. Despite clinching his first championship in 2008 during only his second season in Formula 1, the British driver had struggled to consistently meet the sky-high expectations placed upon him. Many doubted whether Mercedes, still rebuilding its competitive edge, was the right environment for him to thrive. His fourth-place finish in his debut season with the team did little to silence critics.
The tide began to turn in 2014, a year that would prove pivotal for both Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. Exactly a decade ago, he secured his second drivers’ championship in a thrilling showdown with teammate Nico Rosberg at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Crossing the line to clinch the title, Lewis Hamilton delivered an unforgettable moment over the team radio, proclaiming: “This is the greatest day of my life.”
The celebrations that followed were not confined to the Mercedes pit wall. Among the jubilant crowd of engineers and team officials was a notable VIP guest: Prince Harry. Joining the Silver Arrows’ executives, the prince shared in the momentous occasion and offered a personal message of congratulations to the 29-year-old champion, cementing the day as a standout in both Formula 1 and Lewis Hamilton’s illustrious career.
“Lewis thank you very much for not making the British public sweat,” said his Royal Highness, just seconds after Lewis Hamilton had crossed the line. “You are an absolute legend. Well done mate.”
Prince Harry added a touch of humor to the celebrations by playfully granting Lewis Hamilton permission to perform celebratory ‘donuts’ on the Yas Marina Circuit. Hamilton eagerly accepted the royal endorsement, delighting fans and sealing the day as one for the history books. Years later, ahead of Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle in May 2018, Formula 1’s official social media account revisited the lighthearted moment. They shared a clip of the Abu Dhabi victory and cheekily asked, “Role reversal at the Royal Wedding on Saturday?”—a nod to Hamilton’s joyful compliance with the prince’s playful command.
The 2014 Formula 1 season was nothing short of transformative for Hamilton. It saw him rack up an impressive tally of 11 victories, 16 podium finishes, and seven pole positions. More importantly, it marked the beginning of an extraordinary era of dominance. Over the next several years, Hamilton would go on to secure five additional World Drivers’ Championships with Mercedes, solidifying his place among the sport’s greatest legends. His last title in 2020 further underscored the unparalleled success of his partnership with the Silver Arrows, a dynasty that redefined Formula 1’s modern era.
And after his dialogue with the Prince, he British driver added: “It’s the greatest feeling I’ve ever had. This has been an incredible year, I cannot believe how amazing it has all been – coming to this team, when people said it was the wrong choice, and the steps we took last year and this year is unbelievable.”
Ten years after that unforgettable triumph in Abu Dhabi, Lewis Hamilton finds himself in the spotlight once again, this time under the dazzling lights of Las Vegas. The veteran driver has started the weekend in fine form at the highly anticipated race in ‘Sin City,’ setting the pace in both Friday practice sessions. In the first, he edged out his Mercedes teammate George Russell, and in the second, it was Lando Norris who followed closely behind.
As the season nears its conclusion, just two more stops remain after the Las Vegas Grand Prix—Qatar and Abu Dhabi. For Lewis Hamilton, the clock is ticking to add to his extraordinary tally of 105 Formula 1 victories, 82 of which have been achieved during his illustrious tenure with Mercedes. With his move to Ferrari imminent, the seven-time champion faces dwindling opportunities to expand his record-breaking haul with the Silver Arrows, making every lap in these final races even more significant.
Leave a Reply