After weeks of arguments and verbal exchanges, Mercedes is now preparing for a great unification and complete calm for Lewis Hamilton's farewell race.
Toto Wolff spoke ahead of Abu Dhabi and reflected on the good times, suggesting that Lewis Hamilton may continue at a rival next year, but will always remain part of the Mercedes family:
"After twelve incredible years, we have come to the conclusion that this weekend Lewis and I will write the final chapter of our shared story. Let's put our hand on our heart, because it has not been just any journey! When we started working together in 2013, we could not have dreamed of how far we would go... We have won six individual championships and eight constructors' titles. In the meantime, we have achieved eighty-four victories, seventy-eight pole positions, one hundred and fifty-three podiums and written the most successful relationship between a driver and a team in the history of Formula 1. Many successful moments and peaks, many difficulties that we have experienced together. But our relationship is much more than a statistic, it is a legacy that goes beyond the sport.
For example, the joint effort for a fairer F1, our joint fight for inclusion. We started this together and it was a huge privilege to work with Lewis Hamilton. This weekend will not be just another racing weekend, but a celebration. We will celebrate and conclude everything I have talked about, say goodbye and try to gain momentum and strength from this for the future. We will open a new chapter with the help of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, but now it is more important than ever to conclude our work together with Lewis Hamilton nicely. Thank you and once again, we will do it for the last time!” - Toto Wolff said an emotional farewell to the founder of Mercedes' success.
