Lewis Hamilton began his Mercedes farewell tour this week in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, bidding farewell to sponsors and team staff.
The seven-time F1 world champion is officially leaving the Silver Arrows – where he won six of his seven titles – at the end of the month, officially, before joining Ferrari in 2025.
It ends a 12-year partnership and Hamilton will travel to Stuttgart, Brixworth and Brackley this week to make various appearances.
But the 39-year-old started Tuesday at the Petronas Towers, flying straight from Sunday’s season finale in Abu Dhabi where he finished fourth.
Hamilton’s latest commitments this month to Mercedes and their sponsors mean he will be unable to take part in Ferrari’s post-season testing on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.
Speaking in front of 3,000 fans in an exhibition hall at the Petronas Towers, Hamilton said of the team’s partnership with its main sponsor: “Coming here for the last time as a Mercedes driver has caused a lot of excitement. emotions.
“It’s obviously sad in a way but also beautiful to be able to celebrate everything we have done together with our Petronas colleagues and the Malaysian fans.
“It’s always really humbling to come here and see the support. This has grown over time and I have been delighted to contribute to the incredible work Petronas has been doing in the community; we planted mangroves, supported the growth of their university, inspired children in STEAM subjects and much more.
“Being part of a partnership between our team and Petronas that has been so successful, one of the greatest in sporting history, is something I am very proud of.
“We have achieved much more than we thought possible. These 12 years are something I will never forget and through the ups and downs I still feel like we are family.
“I want to thank Petronas for everything we have done together, their incredible products that helped us achieve victory on the track, and all the amazing people I get to work with. I’m going to miss you all.”
Hamilton will meet the Mercedes board in Stuttgart on Wednesday, before visiting staff at the team’s engine plant in Brixworth and the team factory on Friday and Saturday respectively. He will also attend the team’s Christmas party on Saturday.
Hamilton will likely make his debut in Ferrari colors with a TPC (Testing of Previous Car) day in January or February at the Fiorano circuit, near Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello.