Race and classic pictures

End of an Era: Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes F1 family

Last week at Brackley, Lewis Hamilton bid a final farewell to the Mercedes team after an extraordinary 12-year journey with the German outfit.

Surrounded by team boss Toto Wolff, George Russell and the entire Mercedes-AMG F1 family, Hamilton delivered a heartfelt speech that reflected the deep bond forged with a team and its crews that helped him achieve greatness.

“You know I'm leaving, [but] you guys are going to go and have so much more success moving forward because this is an incredible group of people. There's so much talent and so much passion here.

“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 I know we can always look back on these fond memories, what a journey.

“There is no driver in the world that has had this experience with the team, and it makes it that much harder to let go. But I am taking with me the greatest memories. You guys have been living in my dream, and hopefully I have been living partly in your dreams too.

“So a huge, huge thank you from the bottom of my heart and, also my family thanks you for all the dedication all these years, so a big thank you everyone and God Bless you.”

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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