The Abu Dhabi GP weekend marks the end of an era, being the stage for Lewis Hamilton’s final outing in Mercedes colors. The Silver Arrows, as expected, have planned a farewell for him. However, the team’s narcissistic approach, which seems to belittle Hamilton’s credentials even, has raised several eyebrows, including Nico Rosberg’s.
Mercedes’ campaign for Abu Dhabi centered around the phrase ‘every dream needs a team’, a message which subtly suggests that Hamilton could not have won six World Championships without them. Rosberg wanted things to be more ‘Hamilton-centric’.
“I would’ve preferred reading like ‘every team needs a hero’ or something ’cause we’re kinda celebrating Lewis here,” the 2016 World Champion said.
Nico Rosberg talks about Mercedes’ campaign, says the weekend should be about Lewis Hamilton:
“‘Every dream needs a team,’ I would’ve preferred reading like ‘every team needs a hero’ or something cause we’re kinda celebrating Lewis here.”
— deni (@fiagirly) December 7, 2024
Hamilton achieved unparalleled success with the Brackley-based squad since joining in 2013. But without the British star’s presence and on-track achievements, Mercedes would not be the team it is today. Team Principal Toto Wolff does realize that.
However, Wolff likely chose to focus on Mercedes’ future rather than dwell on its past. This explains why the message in Abu Dhabi centered more on the team than on Hamilton.
What to expect from Hamilton’s finale
The least Mercedes could do for Hamilton at the Abu Dhabi GP is provide him a strong car. Hamilton’s 2024 season has been extremely difficult, marred by an inconsistent W15, which on its bad days made the 39-year-old feel like he had driven the ‘worst car ever’. Still, he managed to win two races this season (in Britain and Belgium).
So far, the signs look good for the race. In the three practice sessions ahead of Qualifying, the W15 has looked to be in contention for the top three, with Hamilton finishing P3, P5, and P3 in FP1, FP2, and FP3 respectively.
At times, Hamilton had sounded exasperated with Mercedes this season. He looked like he had given up. However, ahead of cutting ties with the team that has supported him for over 20 years, he would be hoping for one final dance.
