Emotion dominates as Hamilton prepares for final season with Mercedes

Emotion has understandably taken over as Lewis Hamilton prepares for his final season with Mercedes. The German franchise had on Wednesday launched their 2024 challenger, the W15. The 39-year-old will be leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari in 2025 after 12 years with the Silver Arrows.

Lewis Hamilton says it has been “emotional” preparing for the final Formula 1 season of his 12-year stint with Mercedes following his decision to join Ferrari in 2025.

The seven-time world champion attended Mercedes’ 2024 car launch on Wednesday in his first official public appearance with the team since confirming the shock move at the start of February.

Lewis Hamilton says it has been “emotional” preparing for the final Formula 1 season of his 12-year stint with Mercedes following his decision to join Ferrari in 2025.

The seven-time world champion attended Mercedes’ 2024 car launch on Wednesday in his first official public appearance with the team since confirming the shock move at the start of February.

Asked about how his last few weeks had been, Hamilton replied: “Well it’s obviously been emotional.

“It’s very surreal to be here given I came here in 2013, so 11 years with the team, starting my 12th.

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“It is such a privilege to work with a group of people where you see the work they’re doing over the winter.”

Hamilton’s decision to leave the team has undoubtedly been influenced by two disappointing seasons, in which Mercedes have been unable to compete with a dominant Red Bull team that aced new design regulations introduced for 2022.

The Brit has failed to add to his record haul of 103 race wins during the previous two campaigns and has decided to opt for a new challenge at Ferrari ahead of the introduction of another new set of regulations in 2026.

“The learnings of the past two years have helped us find our direction,” Hamilton added.

“It’s enabled us to find our north star. It’s still going to be a work in progress, but we will face whatever challenges present themselves with our heads up, with open minds, and work through diligently.”