Lewis Hamilton emotionally wishes for a Mercedes return in his farewell speech.

As Lewis Hamilton says goodbye to Mercedes—at least temporarily, he hopes—he expressed his gratitude toward the team and wished them continued success in the future.

After achieving 84 wins, 78 poles, 153 podiums, and six Drivers’ titles together, the partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes has come to an end. The most successful driver in F1 history is now set to begin a new chapter with Ferrari starting from the F1 2025 season.

Lewis Hamilton is eager to make a comeback for Mercedes’s visit.

After the conclusion of the F1 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton began a Mercedes farewell tour. This included visits to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he bid farewell to staff at Petronas, the title sponsor for Mercedes. He then headed to Stuttgart and subsequently visited Brackley and Brixworth—the respective bases for Mercedes’ chassis and engine operations.

During his last debrief with Mercedes, Hamilton delivered an emotional message to the staff at Brixworth. Get your tissues ready!

“Mercedes has truly transformed my life,” he remarked.

As a child in Stevenage, I dreamed of one day racing in Formula 1 and becoming a World Champion. Back then, it was just me and my two parents; little did I know that many incredible people would join me on this journey, lifting me up and helping lead the way to achieving such an ambition.

I will constantly be checking the screens to keep track of where you all are. I will always wish each of you nothing but the best.

I have faith in you and will keep supporting you. When you achieve success, I’ll be incredibly proud to know that I was hopefully a small part of the dream you’re living too.

“Thank you all so much. Sending all my love and best wishes to you and your families.”

Hamilton has inked a multi-year contract with Ferrari, but looking ahead, he hopes to have the opportunity to return to Mercedes for another stint in the future.

By switching to Ferrari, Hamilton is departing from his longstanding association with Mercedes in Formula 1 for the first time. During his tenure at McLaren from 2007 to 2012, which included winning his first World Championship in 2008, McLaren cars were powered by Mercedes engines.

“I truly hope that in the years ahead, I can return to see all of you again,” Hamilton stated.

“Thank you all very much.”

Hamilton will have Charles Leclerc as his teammate at Ferrari, while Kimi Antonelli, the teenage sensation from Formula 2, takes Hamilton’s place at Mercedes.