Portugal Colonial - Hamilton hails 'historic' Mercedes stint ahead of 'end of era'

The 39-year-old, who joins Ferrari next season, will bid farewell to Mercedes at the Yas Marina Circuit where he missed out on an unprecedented eighth world title in highly controversial circumstances in 2021.

"This is really it," the 39-year-old wrote on social media. "My last race with Mercedes AMG F1.

"What we've built together over the years is nothing short of historic. People doubted me making this move in 2013, and here we are now.

"The records we've broken, the championships we've won, it all speaks for itself. This won't be the last time I thank Mercedes, but going into my final race with this team is really hitting me now.

"It's really the end of an era in my life, in my career, for the team, and in F1 history. I'm proud of what we've created, I'm proud of every single person that (has) been part of this with me."

Hamilton won 82 Grands Prix, took 78 pole positions and claimed six of his seven championships with Mercedes, having won his first with McLaren in 2008.

It was announced earlier this season that the Briton would join Ferrari.

"The first meeting with (Mercedes boss) Toto (Wolff) from the beginning of the year was awkward, of course, and it was so awkward then from the get-go and then, the day after, I took some of the team paint-balling and they had just found out," Hamilton told reporters of telling Mercedes about his decision to leave.

"Yes, I got lots of shots and loads of bruises. People went in on me that day!"

Hamilton has endured an up-and-down season, despite brilliant victories at the British and Belgian Grands Prix.

He has consistently been out-qualified by team-mate George Russell and bemoaned his lack of pace last week in Qatar.

"It was a very emotional year too and I have not been at my best in handling my emotions," Hamilton added. "Some of you here have been with me and seen all of my career.

"You've seen the worst and the best of me and I am not going to apologise for either. I am only human and I don't always get it right.

"It has been one of my worst for that and handling it and I hope to work on it and try to be better it. I hope the good times and the highs far outweigh the negatives."

Hamilton will be 40 in January as he heads to Ferrari after a career of 355 Grands Prix over 18 seasons at McLaren and Mercedes.

His record of seven world titles, 105 wins, 104 pole positions, 202 podiums and 67 fastest laps has made him one of the greatest Formula One drivers.

T.Resende--PC