The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix offered fans a final opportunity to witness Lewis Hamilton and George Russell competing side by side in the W15. The duel between the Mercedes drivers culminated in a masterful overtaking move by Hamilton, securing him fourth place in his final race for the team. As Hamilton bid farewell to his Mercedes era, Russell was full of praise for his teammate.
Hamilton Displays Class in Final Lap
Although Russell was faster than Hamilton in the qualifying round, he was unable to maintain this lead during the race. Hamilton, who started from P16, drove an impressive comeback race, perfectly executing an alternative strategy for a strong finish. In the very last lap, the seven-time world champion overtook his teammate with a daring move in turn 9, before definitively passing him in turn 10.
“He drove an amazing race. Lewis was faster all weekend and deserved to finish ahead of me,” Russell stated to F1TV after the race. “This was personally one of the most challenging weekends for me, but we’ve had enough good moments this season to compensate for that.”
A Role Model for Everyone in the Sport
The rivalry between the two drivers over the years was intense, but always marked by mutual respect. Russell expressed his admiration for his teammate with high praise: “Lewis Hamilton is not only an incredible teammate, but also someone I looked up to when I was still in karting and in the junior ranks. He is the greatest driver of all time and a role model for everyone in the sport.”
End of an Era
After the race, Hamilton was given the honor of doing donuts on the straight, a final tribute to his time with Mercedes. While Hamilton achieved two victories in his final season with Mercedes, Russell finished the year just above him in the championship at P6.
The three years together did not bring the hoped-for success for Mercedes, but they serve as a reminder of a collaboration filled with respect and mutual appreciation. “I wish him all the best in his next challenge and look forward to racing against him again,” said Russell.
