says will depart a legacy at that “transcends our sport” because the star prepares for his ultimate race for the Silver Arrows this weekend.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton, who has received six of his titles with Mercedes, will carry the curtain down on his 12-year stint with the group on the in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton, who shall be 40 in January, to subsequent yr. Wolff, who has been Mercedes group principal all through the Briton’s time with the group, paid tribute to Hamilton’s work on and off the observe in an emotional letter, posted on Mercedes’ web site on Tuesday.
Wolff begins: “After 12 unbelievable years, we prepare to put in writing the ultimate chapter in our racing story with Lewis this weekend. It has been fairly a journey. Once we first began working collectively in 2013, we couldn’t have imagined what was to come back.
“Six Drivers’ World Championships. Eight Constructors’ titles. Eighty-four wins. Seventy-eight pole positions. 100 and fifty-three podium finishes. Probably the most profitable driver and group partnership in F1 historical past. Many highs that we now have loved. Some crushing lows that we’ve overcome collectively.”
Wolff then emphasised the work Hamilton has finished off-track, with a nod to Misson 44 arrange by the British driver with the intention of making extra inclusion and variety inside motorsport.
“Our relationship has meant a lot extra than simply numbers and statistics, although,” Wolff continues. “It’s a legacy that transcends our sport, with an enduring affect past the racetrack.
“One which has strived to extend variety in our sport. To combat for inclusion. Lewis has been the catalyst for a lot of this and we now have been honoured and proud to work hand-in-hand with him. That work received’t cease on the finish of this yr. Nevertheless it started due to the impetus led by Lewis.
“This weekend is a celebration. A celebration of all the pieces that we now have completed collectively. Lewis’ affiliation with Mercedes goes again 26 years. Each lap of his profession to date has been powered by the three-pointed star.
“We are going to honour this unparalleled story in Abu Dhabi and throughout the next week as we go to Kuala Lumpur, Stuttgart, then lastly Brixworth and Brackley. And honour it realizing that, whereas this section of our relationship is coming to an finish, Lewis will at all times be part of our household.”
Hamilton final day trip in Qatar – with a false begin, puncture and dashing penalty – however Wolff insists the group and Hamilton are centered on ending off their time collectively on a excessive.
Wolff concludes: “For now, although, our full focus is on the race weekend. There isn’t a higher technique to mark the top of our time collectively than with a robust efficiency on the observe. Your entire group is targeted on including yet another spotlight to the reel. We additionally need to finish the season on the entrance foot.
“That can assist us carry momentum into the winter and onwards as we open the subsequent chapter in our story in 2025. With George because the senior driver and Kimi as an thrilling rookie expertise, our future is vibrant. However let’s finish this current chapter in the precise manner.
“Thanks, Lewis: for one ultimate time, let’s do that. Toto.”
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur insisted after the Qatar Grand Prix that he was by Hamilton’s kind forward of subsequent yr, with the Brit on target to document his in 18 seasons within the sport.
