In the closing chapter of Lewis Hamilton’s illustrious career with Mercedes, his final race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix delivered both drama and emotion. A key highlight was Hamilton’s late overtake on his Mercedes teammate George Russell, securing a P4 finish from a challenging P16 start on the grid. However, former Red Bull driver Mark Webber suggests that Russell’s decision not to fiercely defend his position against Hamilton was a calculated “investment” rather than a defeat.
A Last-Lap Pass That Sparked Speculation
As the race entered its final lap, Hamilton executed a stunning outside move at Turn 9 to claim P4. While the maneuver demonstrated Hamilton’s brilliance, Channel 4 F1 presenter Steve Jones questioned how strongly Russell resisted the overtake.
Mark Webber echoed the sentiment, describing it as a “little present at the end” for Hamilton. Jones chimed in, suggesting that while Hamilton earned the position, it appeared Russell might have allowed him through, stating, “It felt a bit like George went, ‘Oh, go on.’”
Mark Webber: Russell’s “Investment” in His Future
Webber, however, was quick to defend Russell, suggesting that this gesture might have been strategic.
“Well, given what Lewis has done in that team, [he has] indirectly given George a turbo charge,” Webber remarked, highlighting how sharing a garage with Hamilton—the most successful F1 driver in history with 105 wins and seven world titles—has significantly shaped Russell’s career.
The partnership, which began in 2022 when Russell replaced Valtteri Bottas, has provided the young Brit with invaluable experience. Webber labeled Hamilton’s presence as a foundational boost for Russell’s long-term success, adding, “To start your career opposite him… that’s a little investment.”
Hamilton’s Final Mercedes Race: A Testament to His Brilliance
Hamilton’s Abu Dhabi performance was a masterclass in resilience. Starting from P16 due to a challenging qualifying session, he climbed through the pack with strategic tire management and clinical overtaking.
Nico Rosberg, Hamilton’s former teammate and 2016 World Champion, described the race as an “amazing end” to Hamilton’s Mercedes chapter. Speaking on the Sky F1 Podcast, Rosberg said:
“Lewis drove a brilliant race and again showed his great, great qualities.”
Rosberg also noted the significance of Mercedes experimenting with two different W15 setups during the weekend. He suggested that Russell, who started P6, had a less favorable setup compared to Hamilton.
“Fair play to George; he underplayed it and never made a big thing out of it. But I do think it’s fair to mention.”
The Dynamics of a Team Transition
Russell’s rise through the Mercedes ranks as a graduate of the Junior Team Academy has positioned him as the team’s future leader. While his partnership with Hamilton has seen moments of tension, the two have shown mutual respect.
Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari will open a new chapter for both drivers. For Russell, stepping out of Hamilton’s shadow will be an opportunity to establish himself as Mercedes’ undisputed leader. For Hamilton, his move to Ferrari pits him alongside Charles Leclerc, another driver nurtured through a team academy and widely regarded as a top talent in F1.
A Farewell Worth Remembering
Russell’s decision to seemingly ease up during Hamilton’s final race could be interpreted as a mark of respect, acknowledging Hamilton’s contributions to Mercedes over the past 12 years. Hamilton’s achievements, including multiple Constructors’ Championships and his status as one of F1’s greatest drivers, leave a legacy that extends beyond statistics.
For Russell, who has often credited Hamilton as a benchmark, this moment might also symbolize a passing of the torch. With Mercedes now rallying behind Russell, the 2025 season will be his chance to prove that he can lead the team into a new era.
Conclusion: The End of an Era, the Beginning of a Legacy
Hamilton’s farewell to Mercedes was marked by emotion, strategy, and respect. The final overtaking move in Abu Dhabi may have been a “present” from Russell, but it also underscored the mutual understanding between the two drivers.
As Hamilton heads to Ferrari, his legacy at Mercedes is cemented not just by his titles but by the impact he’s had on the team and his teammates. For Russell, this moment will likely serve as a motivation to build his own legacy, carrying forward the lessons learned from one of the greatest drivers in F1 history.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix wasn’t just a race; it was a symbolic handover of leadership within Mercedes—a final chapter for Hamilton and the prologue to Russell’s reign. The 2025 season promises a fresh narrative for both drivers as they carve their paths in Formula 1’s evolving landscape.
