We have finally reached the final stage of this 2024 Formula 1 Season – the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Yet another season has seen a rather weak Mercedes, unable to consistently fight at the top.
Can Mercedes end their season on a high?
Mercedes have had a rocky season, with the 8-time champions unable to return to the standards they once set.
Despite this, this season, the Brackley team have enjoyed 4 victories. Of Lewis Hamilton won in Spa and Belgium, while George Russell won in Austria and Las Vegas.
In addition, the W15 has been impressive in races with low temperatures.
The Yas Marina circuit will always be one of the worst for Mercedes to face. It is still an open wound and evokes bad memories, which are still difficult to digest today.
Furthermore, this will also be the farewell for Lewis Hamilton who from next year will find himself driving for Ferrari. It will therefore be a rather touching emotional race.
Last weekend on track: will Mercedes be able to drive a good race?
Even though this year has been characterized by many ups and downs, Mercedes want to finish well.
This last circuit is quite complex and demanding. Especially because of the high temperatures – a factor that certainly does not help Mercedes.
Based on the particular characteristics of the circuit, a low load set-up is expected.
Another very important characteristic is to take into account the asphalt.
The question of tyres, in these cases, is very particular and the Brackley team will therefore have to take this factor into account and evaluate the best choices.
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Lewis Hamilton’s final race as a Mercedes driver
It seems like yesterday when Lewis Hamilton was announced as Ferrari’s driver for 2025.
“After 12 incredible years, this weekend we are preparing to write the final chapter of our racing history with Lewis Hamilton. It has been an incredible journey. When we started working together in 2013, we could not have imagined what would happen” – Toto Wolff.
The race in Abu Dhabi will be the last dance. It will be a race full of emotions, where a very important chapter will be closed.
A race where these 12 years will be relived, full of victories, prizes, celebrations and many smiles.
A farewell that almost no one would have expected.
In these last 58 laps in Abu Dhabi as a Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton will relive all his most precious memories. His first victory with Mercedes, his 6 World Championships won with the sweat and dedication that only a great champion like him can have.
He will also relive the first defeats, the first difficulties. As difficult as they are, they are perhaps the ones that help a driver grow the most.
But Formula One is also this. It is a race against time, where you have no time to think. You just have to act and adapt to the changes. Whether they are good or bad.
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The future: Kimi Antonelli and George Russell
“Our focus is on the race weekend. There is no better way to mark the end of our time together than with a strong performance on track. The whole team is focused on adding another memorable moment.
We want to end the season on a high note, this will help us carry the momentum into the winter and towards opening the next chapter of our story in 2025.
With George as an experienced driver and Kimi as an exciting rookie talent, our future is bright. But let’s close this chapter on the right note. Thank you, Lewis: for one last time, let’s do it.” – Toto Wolff.
We have now reached the end of this 2024 season, and what the Brackley team must do is maximize what they have and enjoy the last moments before Lewis Hamilton’s final farewell.
But above all, start making a list of good intentions aim high for 2025, to try to conduct the 2025 season in the best possible way.
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