HAMILTON’S LAST RADIO MESSAGE TO MERCEDES

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last weekend marked the end of both the 2024 season and the legendary partnership between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes.

Over the course of their 12 years together, Hamilton secured 84 victories and six of his seven world championships.

After his final race for the team, where he finished just outside the podium, Hamilton shared a deeply emotional moment on the cooldown lap over the radio with his long-time race engineer, Peter Bonnington, and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

The full exchange:

Bonnington: “End of an era. I’ve got to say mate, it’s been epic working with you.”

Wolff: “Lewis, that was the drive of a world champion. That’s the drive of a world champion. Amazing.”

Hamilton: “Thanks, Toto. That was fun.”

Bonnington: “Good man. Stellar job today, bud. But, yeah, it’s been a pleasure all the way.

Hamilton: “The pleasure’s been mine. Yeah, Bono, we dreamed alone but together, we believed. As a team, we achieved things that only… (inaudible)

“Thank you for all the courage, the determination and the passion, and for seeing me and supporting me. What started out as a leap of faith turned into a journey into the history books.

“We did everything together, and I’m so, so grateful to everyone, both here and back at the factory. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. All the best.”

Bonnington: “Thank you, Lewis. It’s been an amazing journey, and I’ve been so grateful to have been a part of this chapter of your life, and best of luck for the next one.”

Hamilton: “Yeah, I love you guys, I really, really do.”

Wolff: “We love you too and you’re always going to be part of that family – and if we can’t win, you should win.”

ONE MORE ‘HAMMERTIME’ FROM BONO

The famous "hammertime" catchphrase, a key part of Lewis Hamilton's partnership with his race engineer Pete Bonnington, had special meaning when it was used for the final time in Hamilton's last race with Mercedes.

Often said by Bono to push Hamilton to give his best during a race, the phrase became a symbol of their incredible success in Formula 1.

Although the phrase was heard less during a tough season, its final use brought back many memories for Hamilton. He described it as a bittersweet moment, reminding him of how Bono’s calm voice and the famous call had always pushed him to achieve more.

WOLFF’S GOODBYE VOICE NOTE

Hamilton’s era with Mercedes had been one of dominance, surpassing even Michael Schumacher’s legendary run with Ferrari, where the Briton is now going to end his career in style.

Toto Wolff, found out in January that Hamilton was leaving and he had to go through a tough season with the Briton still racing for the team, knowing he was moving to a big rival.

Despite this, Wolff is determined there will be no hard feelings between them and to show his respect, he sent a touching voice message to Hamilton on WhatsApp.

Mercedes later shared it on X, along with black-and-white photos that captured Hamilton's journey with the team.

FAREWELL DONUTS

Despite starting the race from 16th on the grid, Hamilton showed why is he a seven-time world champion, making a remarkable comeback to finish his last race for Mercedes in fourth place.

The iconic partnership ended in style as he celebrated with donut spins on the main straight after the race, drawing cheers from the crowd. Later on, Hamilton also knelt in front of his car as a symbol to an end of a journey.