The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the end of a historic chapter for Lewis Hamilton, who is set to leave Mercedes after 12 years and six world titles to join Ferrari. As the Briton concludes his remarkable stint with the Silver Arrows, Ferrari aims to secure its first constructors’ championship since 2008.
Sunday’s race under the Yas Marina Circuit lights will be a bittersweet moment for Hamilton and Mercedes, celebrating their 12-year partnership that produced unparalleled success. Team principal Toto Wolff described it as “a celebration of everything we have achieved.”
The 38-year-old driver will soon don Ferrari red, tasked with reigniting his career and chasing an unprecedented eighth world title while advancing his advocacy for diversity and inclusion in motorsport. Ferrari’s multi-year deal with Lewis Hamilton offers him a platform to redefine his legacy after a challenging period in Formula 1’s current ‘ground effect’ era.
Ferrari heads into the season finale trailing McLaren by 21 points in the constructors’ standings. A strong performance from Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz—or “a perfect weekend,” as Sainz put it—could end Ferrari’s title drought and set a celebratory tone for Hamilton’s arrival.
Team boss Fred Vasseur expressed confidence in Hamilton’s ability to deliver. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, fresh off his fourth consecutive drivers’ title, aims to cap the season with his 10th win. Meanwhile, McLaren’s consistency positions them as favourites at the Yas Marina Circuit, but Ferrari hopes to capitalise on any missteps.
Through the intense competition, this season finale will also be a moment of goodbyes: Red Bull’s sporting director Jonathan Wheatley departs for Sauber/Audi, while Alpine debuts Jack Doohan as Esteban Ocon’s replacement.
At nearly 40, Lewis Hamilton is determined to prove his doubters wrong. Speaking ahead of the race, he said: “It’s not how you fall, it’s how you get back up.”
As Formula 1 bids farewell to one of its most iconic team-driver partnerships, all eyes will be on Hamilton’s next chapter at Ferrari—and whether it will deliver the redemption he seeks.
