Lewis Hamilton reflects on an “amazing journey” and the most successful partnership in Formula 1 history as he prepares to part ways with Mercedes and join Ferrari. The transition represents a fresh chapter for the 39-year-old Hamilton, whose final season with Mercedes has been challenging. Ferrari’s initial focus next year will likely be on helping Hamilton regain his top form, reports AP. Kimi Antonelli named as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Formula 1's Mercedes “We’re probably not going to finish on a high,” Hamilton remarked on Sunday after enduring a tough race in Qatar, where he placed 12th following penalties, a puncture, and even discussions with Mercedes about retiring the car. Just two days earlier, he admitted he was “definitely not fast anymore” after another disappointing qualifying session. Hamilton’s last race for Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday marks the end of a 12-year tenure with the team. During this period, he secured six of his seven world championships, the most achieved by any F1 driver with a single team. As an all-time legend and Formula 1’s only Black driver, Hamilton’s influence reaches far beyond the racetrack. Lewis Hamilton, Serena Williams part of bid to buy Chelsea In February, Hamilton stunned the F1 world by announcing his move to Ferrari in 2025 — a decision he even kept from his parents. This upcoming shift has loomed over his season. “I’ve had the whole year to process it, with its highs and lows,” Hamilton reflected last week. “I can’t predict how I’ll feel after the race, the days following, or even during Christmas.” Hamilton shared he would deeply miss the “family” atmosphere at Mercedes, cherishing memories like those with Niki Lauda, the late F1 champion instrumental in bringing him to the team. “There’ve been so many special moments, including with Niki — incredible conversations and even arguments,” he said. “This journey has been truly amazing and one I’ve genuinely loved.” Hamilton recalled the challenges of switching teams, recounting a moment in 2013 when he mistakenly stopped at McLaren’s pit during his early days at Mercedes. “It was strange passing my old team in the pit lane, to the point I stopped there once,” he recalled. This season brought emotional highs, such as his triumphant win at the British Grand Prix, ending a 945-day drought, and his victory in Belgium following George Russell’s disqualification. However, Hamilton has struggled since, finishing behind Russell in 10 of the last 12 races, including sprints. Qualifying has posed significant difficulties for Hamilton, forcing him to recover positions on race day. “When you’re consistently starting far back on the grid, it’s almost impossible to compete for wins,” he admitted last week. Hamilton will forego a chance to test the Ferrari at this season’s end due to his Mercedes contract. However, he expressed mixed feelings about beginning his Ferrari career that way. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur wanted Hamilton to drive the car in Abu Dhabi, but Hamilton preferred a private introduction at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track next year. “Driving the red car for the first time in Abu Dhabi didn’t excite me,” Hamilton said. “In an ideal scenario, you’d drive without being seen and do a proper rollout next year. Am I missing out? Certainly.”