Mercedes vow never to share any footage from one ‘extremely’ emotional Lewis Hamilton moment

Lewis Hamilton’s incredible 12-year stint with Mercedes in Formula 1 is officially over as he becomes a Ferrari driver.

The Brit’s connections to the German manufacturer date even further back to his days with McLaren – Mercedes were the team’s partner and engine supplier at the time.

But it was with the Mercedes F1 team that Hamilton would shine in the pinnacle of motorsport. The 40-year-old won six of his seven titles with the Brackley-based team between 2014-2020 and broke numerous records, including becoming the most winningest driver of all time.

Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari before the 2024 season had started. The Brit had been struggling to extract the best out of his inconsistent Mercedes machinery during the ground effect era.

His difficulties continued last year as he registered the lowest finish of his career with seventh in the standings. But he did have some moments of brilliance in his farewell season with Mercedes, including his ninth victory at Silverstone.

Hamilton put in a vintage performance in his final race with the team in Abu Dhabi, finishing fourth from P16 – and the Silver Arrows made sure to get him the goodbye he deserved that weekend.

Mercedes will never show footage from the special film they made for Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton and Mercedes’ partnership will go down as one of, if not the most successful in F1 history, and the two parties’ farewell would no doubt have been an emotional moment.

Mercedes put on a special event for Hamilton’s final visit to the factory in Brackley to celebrate his achievements with the team. Toto Wolff said he was proud to be part of Hamilton’s journey as he bid his final farewell to the Brit.

Before the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Mercedes set up a surprise for Hamilton to showcase a special film they had made to commemorate the incredible partnership.

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The event took place in the Paddock Club on the Thursday evening. Hamilton apologised to Mercedes after he initially felt sceptical about going up to the Paddock Club, thinking it was another appearance for sponsors.

Hamilton was left ‘extremely moved’ by the film according to Mercedes chief communications officer Bradley Lord. But speaking with the Formel1.de YouTube channel, he stressed that footage from the emotional moment will never be shown publicly.

Reflecting on how the special event played out, Lord said: “And then Toto spoke and then at the end Lewis too, and it was really a very intimate moment so that’s why we have not and will not publish any footage or pictures of it because it remains for us.”

How Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso could retire on the same day

While his farewell from Mercedes is an emotional moment, one thing that will certainly top that is the day Hamilton decides to call time on his incredible F1 career.

His move to Ferrari will likely be his last as he hits his 40s. Hamilton’s contract runs until 2026 when the two parties will reassess whether to extend the deal further.

If the Brit wins his record eighth title with Ferrari, he may be happy to hang up his racing gloves then and bid farewell to F1,

Hamilton could retire on the same day as Fernando Alonso, as the Spaniard – who is the oldest driver on the grid at 43 years old – has also signed the same deal with Aston Martin.

The 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – assuming it will still be the season finale – could be one of the most significant races in F1 history as the sport could wave goodbye to two of its greatest drivers on the very same day.