"I can’t stop crying actually" - Fans react to Lewis Hamilton's farewell speech at Mercedes headquarters

F1 fans shared emotional tributes for Lewis Hamilton's farewell speech at the Mercedes headquarters in Brackley, UK. The seven-time F1 world champion will be leaving the German team at the end of the month to join Ferrari on a multi-year deal.

Hamilton's switch to the Italian team caught everyone by surprise in early February this year, as he had earlier signed a contract extension with the former world champions in August 2023 that would see him race for them until 2025. Despite a largely underwhelming swansong season, Hamilton did have some positive moments as he managed to add two race victories with Mercedes this year, in Silverstone and Spa.

In a video posted by Mercedes on X (formerly Twitter), Lewis Hamilton delivered his final speech at Brackley. He spoke about his 12-year association with the team, saying,

"You know, I'm leaving. You guys are going to have so much more success moving forward because this is an incredible group of people. So much time, so much passion here. And anyone would be lucky to be working with you. I hope that when I do eventually stop racing, I can come back and visit you all.

"And now we can always look back on these fond memories. You know what a journey like, there's no driver in the world who's had this experience with the team and it makes it that much harder to let go. But I'm taking with me the greatest memories and you guys have been living in my dream, and hopefully you have been living in your dream too."

Following this, F1 fans shared their reactions to Lewis Hamilton's speech. Some fans expressed their sadness, with one saying:

"I can’t stop crying actually."

"There's something in my eye" said another fan.

Another fan appreciated Hamilton, calling him "world class."

"What an absolute class act. World-class dude and driver right there."

Here are some more fan reactions:

"Okay…. Maybe I’m not strong enough," said a fan.

"GOAT. Can't believe they forced him out. Change is good though. Thank you though Mercedes," wrote another.

"I'm crying at 1 am...what have you done admin," expressed another.

---

Lewis Hamilton calls driving for Mercedes "greatest honor" at the Abu Dhabi GP

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton drove his last race for the team last weekend, before he moves across to Ferrari. Reflecting on the final moments in a Mercedes car, Hamilton said he wanted to "embrace the moment" after he stopped his W15 on the pit straight at last weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Speaking after the season's final race, the 39-year-old said (via The Guardian),

“When I stopped the car I just wanted to embrace the moment, because it’s the last time I’m going to step into a Mercedes and represent them, it’s been the greatest honor of my life. I mean every moment that I’ve got in the car this week, I’ve known that it’s one of the last and it’s been really hard to let go."

Lewis Hamilton ended his stint with Mercedes with six drivers' championships, eight constructors' championships and 84 race wins in 12 years.