| Press Information 5 December 2024 |
F1: Lewis Farewell
'Thank You, Lewis'
Ready to write the final chapter in an incredible story
245 races. 84 wins. 78 pole positions. 153 podium finishes. Eight World Constructors' Championships. Six World Drivers' Championships.
A career that, to this point, has been powered solely by Mercedes-Benz; over 20,000 racing laps and 100,000 racing kilometres.
This weekend marks the closing chapter in the longest and most successful team-driver partnership in the sport's history. The final race of a relationship with the three-pointed star that began 26 years ago.
Saying farewell after such a journey together is therefore about so much more than just marking records and statistics. It's about paying tribute to a remarkable individual. Recognising a person who has catalysed and led change in our sport. How together, we have strived to make a lasting impact far beyond podium celebrations and trophy collections.
Launching this evening, and working with London-based agency AMV BBDO, the team has created a global campaign that pays tribute to Lewis's remarkable record, capturing the highs and lows of 12 seasons together.
'Every Dream Needs a Team' bridges between the hopes of the young Lewis Hamilton aiming for F1, and the aspirations of the next generation he has inspired. One that sees our sport as a place where they can achieve their own hopes and dreams. 'Every dream needs a team' speaks to the essential truth of our sport that Lewis has always recognised - that we win, and we lose, together. That success is a collective endeavour.
The centrepiece is a film produced, thanks to the support and collaboration of Formula One, by prettybird and directed by Grammy Award winner Melina Matsoukas. It blends young people for whom Lewis has been an inspirational figure - including our next generation of Mercedes F1 racers, karters Luna Fluxa, Kenzo Craigie and James Anagnostiadis - with iconic archive from Lewis's time with the team, and his own early career. It is underscored by Stormzy's iconic track "Blinded by Your Grace, Pt.2" and includes original commentary from some of the team's most memorable moments.
The film is only the starting point for the team's tributes to Lewis and his achievements. An outdoor campaign featuring iconic photography (attached) of Lewis and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team will light up landmarks in Kuala Lumpur, the UK, and the US, including locations such as Times Square. Over the race weekend in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton will carry the campaign message on his car, underscored with the names of 150 fans, representing the millions of loyal followers who have been part of the incredible journey.
Toto also recorded an open voice note for Lewis, offering heartfelt parting words and advice. A modern-day equivalent of an open letter, the note captures Toto's perspective as both a leader and a friend. Distributed via WhatsApp, the voice note reflects the campaign's emphasis on connection, authenticity, and shared memories.
From out-of-home advertising in the UK, US and Malaysia, 150 fan names being carried on Lewis's car, a special message from our partner WhatsApp on his clothing, to the final farewell among team-mates at the end of next week, we will honour the remarkable role Lewis has played in our team - and the defining achievements of his years with us.
Lewis has achieved every possible dream with Mercedes that he could have possibly imagined as a young racer. But racing in red is something you simply can't do with the Silver Arrows. So, as he heads to Maranello with our deep gratitude and warmest of wishes in a few weeks' time, we will turn the page and the begin the next chapter of our adventure.
But that's for then, and this is for now. In the coming days, our message is simple: thank you, Lewis.
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