The shock and bemusement reverberated across the paddock when the news broke. In fact it is difficult not to overemphasise the brutal reaction the cutthroat Formula One circus - whether it be media, former drivers or fans – had in September 2012 when Lewis Hamilton left McLaren for Mercedes.
Even the wishes of his father and manager, Anthony, were ignored. As Jeremy Clarkson put it so tactlessly on a 2012 episode of Top Gear: “Is that not a bit like moving from Manchester United to West Ham?” And sorry Hammers fans – it was not a compliment.
Yet six world championships, 12 years and 84 grand prix victories later, Hamilton’s bold plunge into unchartered waters was his best-ever decision. A life-changing, history-altering decision. His only hope now will be that his Ferrari-inspired gamble works out in a similar style next year.
Tomorrow’s final race of the 2024 season in Abu Dhabi brings the curtain down on the most successful driver-team partnership in the history of Formula One, as Hamilton takes to the track for the 246th and final time in Mercedes overalls. A partnership, in statistical terms, better than Michael Schumacher at Ferrari. Better than Ayrton Senna at McLaren. Better than Vettel at Red Bull.
It promises to be an emotional evening at the end of an emotional year for the seven-time F1 world champion.
“I anticipated it would be difficult [this year] but massively underestimated how difficult,” he said on Thursday. “It’s been a very emotional year for me. I’ve not been at my best in handling those emotions. So many of you have seen the worst of me and the best of me. I’m not going to apologise for either. I’m only human and don’t always get it right.”
Self-reflection has been one of Hamilton’s cornerstone traits in recent years, armed with a car incapable of winning races regularly since 2021.
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