Nico Rosberg has hailed Lewis Hamilton’s final race for Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a "phenomenal" performance, highlighting the incredible drive that capped off a legendary 12-year partnership with the team. Hamilton, who is preparing for a move to Ferrari in 2025, delivered a stunning display in his last race for Mercedes, rising from 16th place on the grid to finish in an impressive fourth position. The most remarkable moment came on the final lap, where Hamilton overtook his teammate, George Russell, in a dramatic move that saw him pass on the outside through the tricky turn nine. Rosberg, who competed alongside Hamilton for four seasons from 2013 to 2016, was full of praise for his former teammate, calling the maneuver "perfection."
Hamilton’s remarkable drive in Abu Dhabi was a fitting finale to a stellar era with Mercedes, despite the 2024 season being a challenging one for the seven-time world champion. In a campaign where he finished outside the top six for the first time in his career, Hamilton still displayed the determination and skill that earned him a record-breaking 105 Grand Prix wins, 104 pole positions, and 202 podium finishes over his time with Mercedes. The 2024 season also marked the first time in over a decade that Hamilton scored his lowest points total since his McLaren days, ending the season with just 189 points. However, even with these challenges, Rosberg—who knows Hamilton’s racing abilities intimately—was adamant that his final race was a masterclass in skill and competitive spirit.
“I would say no comment, but that was insane! The way he lined up the move on George, it was perfection,” Rosberg remarked, referring to Hamilton’s stunning overtaking maneuver on the final lap. "To overtake on the outside, especially in such a challenging part of the track, was incredible. That’s what makes Lewis a seven-time world champion."
The rivalry between Rosberg and Hamilton at Mercedes is one of the most famous and intense in Formula 1 history. Over four seasons, the two drivers helped Mercedes dominate the sport, winning 54 of 78 races and securing three drivers' championships between them. Hamilton achieved 32 victories and was often the faster driver in qualifying, outpacing Rosberg 42 times. Meanwhile, Rosberg managed to secure 22 wins and outqualified Hamilton 36 times, culminating in his dramatic 2016 world championship victory, the only time Hamilton was beaten to the title in their years together at Mercedes. Their rivalry was often compared to the fierce competition between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, as both drivers pushed each other to the limit, both on and off the track.
Despite the competitive nature of their relationship, Rosberg has always shown respect for Hamilton’s abilities. Reflecting on the final lap at Abu Dhabi, Rosberg acknowledged the difficulty of Hamilton's situation during the race and was impressed by his ability to rise above the challenges. “It was amazing to see him dig deep and put on a performance like that. It’s a reminder of why he’s been so successful all these years. Lewis showed what he's made of,” he said.
As Hamilton prepares for his new chapter with Ferrari in 2025, the end of his 12-year stint with Mercedes marks the conclusion of an era. During his time at the team, Hamilton became one of the most decorated drivers in the history of the sport, creating an indelible legacy. Rosberg, who witnessed Hamilton’s growth as both a rival and a teammate, will undoubtedly remember their years together as a defining period in his own career, as well as in the history of Formula 1.
Hamilton’s final race for Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix serves as a fitting tribute to his remarkable career with the team, and it will be remembered as a moment where a seven-time world champion showcased his racing brilliance, even as he prepares for new challenges with Ferrari. The admiration and respect between Rosberg and Hamilton remain as strong as ever, and their rivalry will forever be a defining chapter in the history of Formula 1.
