Lewis Hamilton: "I Massively Underestimated" the Difficulty of Leaving Mercedes
Abu Dhabi: Lewis Hamilton, the 39-year-old seven-time world champion, has admitted that he "massively underestimated" the difficulty of saying goodbye to his long-time team, Mercedes, ahead of an emotional final race for the team in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Hamilton stunned the Formula One world in February when he announced that he would be leaving Mercedes, which has supported him since his days in go-karting, to join Ferrari at the end of the year. Mercedes has had time to adjust, with 18-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli signed as his replacement, but Hamilton told reporters at Yas Marina that the transition had not been easy.
"I anticipated it would be difficult, but massively underestimated how difficult it would be," he said. "It was straining on the relationship very early on, took time for people to get past it. And then just for my own self, it’s been a very emotional year for me. And I think I’ve not been at my best in handling and dealing with those emotions."
The Struggle with Handling and Dealing with Emotions
The winner of a record 105 races, and two this season including a home one at Silverstone, has struggled with his car’s handling. Questions have been asked about his speed as he approaches 40 with more than 350 races under his belt. Hamilton said in Qatar last weekend that he had "still got it". However, his frustration, particularly in qualifying; where his team mate George Russell leads him 18-5; has been evident. In Brazil, he even hinted he might not complete the season.
"I think you’ve all seen the worst of me and seen the best of me and I’m not going to apologise for either because I’m only human and I don’t always get it right," he said in Abu Dhabi. "I would definitely say this year’s been one of the worst in terms of handling that from my side, which I’ll work on trying to be better at. But, I hope the good and the highs far outweigh the negatives and how I’ve handled it or behaved."
A Legacy with Mercedes
Hamilton won six of his seven titles with Mercedes, and could have had an eighth at Yas Marina in 2021 but for a controversial late change to the safety car procedure while he was leading. He has started 246 races with the team. His achievements, as the only Black driver on the starting grid, also include transforming Mercedes, and by extension the sport, into a more racially diverse and welcoming environment.
Looking to the Future
Ferrari, the team that took Michael Schumacher to five of his seven titles, will be his third team since his 2007 debut with McLaren. "I’m not looking at comparing myself to Michael. Not looking at that," said the Briton. "At the moment, that’s not something that I’m thinking about. I’m trying to think about making sure that I finish off the right way and the best way possible with Mercedes. These next days are going to be super-emotional," he shared.
Conclusion
Lewis Hamilton’s emotional goodbye to Mercedes is a difficult and complex process, and one that he has admitted he "massively underestimated" the difficulty of. As he prepares for his final race with the team, he is reflecting on his achievements and looking to the future. With his legacy with Mercedes secure, he is now focused on making a successful transition to his new team, Ferrari.
FAQs
- What is Lewis Hamilton’s announcement about leaving Mercedes?
In February, Lewis Hamilton announced that he would be leaving Mercedes at the end of the year to join Ferrari. - How has Lewis Hamilton’s transition to his new team been?
Lewis Hamilton has found it difficult to adjust to his new team, Ferrari, and has struggled with his car’s handling. - What is Lewis Hamilton’s legacy with Mercedes?
Lewis Hamilton has won six of his seven titles with Mercedes, and has transformed the team into a more racially diverse and welcoming environment.