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.

Mercedes-Benz has been supplying cars to the Vatican for 94 years and for the past 45 years, the Pope has been using the renowned “Popemobiles” based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Now, for the first time, the Popemobile from Mercedes-Benz is going all-electric: Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and the team members involved personally handed over a handmade unique vehicle based on the new electric G-Class to Pope Francis in the Vatican today.

This means that the Pope will be travelling locally emission-free in a new Mercedes-Benz in time for the 2025 Jubilee – an event that only takes place every 25 years and one for which millions of pilgrims are expected in Rome. The vehicle fulfils high requirements and was developed in close cooperation with the Vatican specifically for the Pope's use. Its electric drivetrain, which was adapted to the particularly low speeds required for public appearances, contributes to the realisation of the encyclical “Laudato Si”. In it, Pope Francis describes the need for sustainable development.

At the handover, Ola Källenius thanked Pope Francis and all those involved and emphasised the sustainable business strategy of Mercedes-Benz:

“With the new Popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pope to be travelling in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz when making public appearances. This is a special honour for our company, and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust. With this Popemobile, we are also sending out a clear call for electromobility and decarbonisation. Mercedes-Benz not only stands for the special and individual – but also for consistently creating the conditions for a net-carbon-neutral[1] new car fleet in 2039.”
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG
A unique experience: Pope Francis invites participating team members from Graz, Sindelfingen and Rome

Ola Källenius was accompanied by Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales and Marketing, and Marc Langenbrinck, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Italia, at the appointment just outside St Peter's Basilica. But the Holy Father also met with those who developed and built his new vehicle. Employees from Design, Research & Development, Manufacturing and Sales & Marketing were therefore also invited to the event and were able to hand over “their” vehicle on behalf of many others involved. The handover was followed by a private audience with the Pope. A team of specialists from Graz (A), Sindelfingen (D) and Rome (I) worked together for around a year. The project was managed by the team in Rome while the electric drivetrain was adapted by the team in Graz. The experts from Sindelfingen produced the bodywork, interior fittings and customised equipment using traditional craftsmanship.
Handmade model: Details of the vehicle based on the new G580 with EQ technology

The electric drivetrain of the new G580 with EQ technology (combined energy consumption: 30.4-27.7 kWh/100 km | Combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km | CO₂ class: A)[2] was adapted to fully utilise the advantages of the four near-wheel motors for the special purpose of slow journeys at public appearances.

In the rear, the bench seat was replaced by a centrally positioned and height-adjustable single seat. This swivelling main seat makes it possible to move around flexibly and address an audience from different angles. Behind the single seat, two single seats have been integrated on the left and right for additional passengers.

The roof was removed at the B-pillar, and the B-pillar itself was harmoniously transitioned into the side wall to create an unmistakable side profile. In case of rain or bad weather conditions, a separate hardtop offers protection for the occupants. The left rear door was removed and rebuilt by the specialists – in traditional coachbuilding style – from a single piece and seamlessly welded into the bodyshell. On the right-hand side, the hinges of the rear door were relocated to the opposite side.

Like the previous Popemobiles, the vehicle is painted in classic pearl white on the outside.
A long tradition: The history of Mercedes-Benz vehicles for the Vatican

Mercedes-Benz has been manufacturing vehicles for the head of the Catholic Church and his travels and public appearances for almost 100 years. The first vehicle of this type was a Nürburg 460 Pullman Saloon for Pope Pius XI from 1930. At the time, Mercedes-Benz was awarded the delivery contract due to a harmonious overall package – and because the team at the time transferred an important characteristic of previous carriages to the vehicle: The possibility of travelling with two dignitaries and other staff using folding seats. In the 1960s, John XXIII received a 300 Landaulet with an automatic transmission and extended wheelbase. His successor Paul VI initially used a 600 Pullman Landaulet and later a 300 SEL – also a Landaulet. In the 1980s, John Paul II used the first vehicle officially called Popemobile for events in St Peter's Square, a modified 460 series G model. From 2002, he used a 463 series G 500, which was also used by his successors Benedict XVI and Francis. Specially-designed cars based on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and the GLE were also used at times. After their retirement from service, some of the Popemobiles were placed for viewing in the Vatican and the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
Statements from Britta Seeger, Marc Langenbrinck, Gorden Wagenerand participating team members

“We build the perfect Mercedes for every customer – including, for almost 100 years, the Vatican. We are overjoyed to be able to fulfil the Holy Father's wish for an electric Popemobile and are particularly proud to be able to build the vehicle according to his requirements. This cooperation at eye level honours us deeply and is a valuable symbol of sustainable change together.”
Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Sales & Marketing

“The G-Class is one of Mercedes-Benz's most iconic vehicles and we are proud that we can develop vehicles for the Holy Father in this tradition. The first all-electric G-Class combines sustainability, elegant design and maximum functionality. It is a great honour for us to be able to present this special vehicle to Pope Francis today.”
Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG

“Today we are experiencing an important moment that underlines the deep bond that has united Mercedes‑Benz Italy and the Vatican for more than half a century. As Pope Francis emphasizes, business must be an integral part of the community. Thus, it is a great honor for us to contribute to this unique project. On behalf of the large family of Mercedes-Benz Italy, I would like to extend to the Holy Father my sincerest wishes for his well-being and the fruitful continuation of his Magisterium. We look forward to a wonderful Jubilee and we are certain that ‘our Papamobile’ will be a valuable support for His Holiness in the many engagements that await him.”
Marc Langenbrinck, Mercedes-Benz Cars Italy Sales & Head of Mercedes-Benz Italy

“I’m very proud that I was able to contribute to the electric Popemobile. From the first sketch to the final sign-off, the team's work was characterised by great passion, professionalism and respect for the task. The vehicle represents an incredible amount of manual labour and passion – but it’s also full of state-of-the-art technology. The fact that Pope Francis has invited some of us to hand it over personally really tops everything off. It’s an experience that you’ll tell your grandchildren about.”
Klaus Millerferli, Development Engineer at Mercedes-Benz AG in Sindelfingen

“With the G-Class, we are used to working on one of the most legendary and iconic Mercedes-Benz models on a daily basis. Building a vehicle for the Pope is something also very special for us – but even here we have experience. The entire team in Graz is very happy and proud that the Vatican is once again relying on our G.” 
Peter Zotter, Development Engineer at Mercedes-Benz G GmbH in Graz

[1] Net carbon-neutral means that carbon emissions that are not avoided or reduced at Mercedes-Benz are compensated for by certified offsetting projects.

[2] The specified values were determined in accordance with the WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) measurement method. The ranges given refer to ECE markets. The energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of a car depend not only on the efficient utilisation of the fuel or energy source by the car, but also on the driving style and other non-technical factors.

George Russell

It was a very strange race because our pace has been so strong all weekend, but it just didn’t seem to be there today. Overall, my race wasn’t great, I had a bad start then poor pace and finally a penalty at the end of the race. We ultimately didn’t have the pace on the hard tyre that we thought we would and were not quick enough compared to those around us. Max and Lando managed to pass by at the start and I didn’t have the speed to catch them again. Even after the pit stop I struggled to try and make it back through to regain my position.

The car was great all day Friday and yesterday so we need to understand where that pace went for us today. Both Lewis and I made bad starts and we have some idea why, but we need to fully understand how we lost the performance that we showed in the Sprint. I think ultimately you can see how you only need to gain two tenths or lose two tenths and you go from being a front runner to being down in P6 or P7 so I hope we can have the car from yesterday and Vegas next week in Abu Dhabi. It would be great if we can hopefully have a better weekend together as a Team.
Lewis Hamilton

It was a pretty bad race for me overall, but these things happen. It started off badly with my false start which was my fault and resulted in a penalty which I served during my stop. Then I had the puncture which was just unfortunate, followed by the pitlane speeding which was on me, too. The car had a lot of understeer today because we didn’t have enough front wing in the setup. I gave it my best shot, but it all seemed to go downhill from the start.

This race weekend hasn’t been great but we have another week next week where we can try and finish a bit better and I hope we do have a better result. These last races don’t have an impact on all of the great things we have done together as a Team. Races are a rollercoaster ride of emotions, I’ve had great races in my life and bad races too. Ultimately, it’s not how you fall it’s how you get back up and we will try again next week.
Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO

Today we ultimately didn’t have the pace. Our car is a handful to drive on its worst days and today was one of those days and both drivers had a similar experience. I think if the race had been yesterday then we would have had a shot at winning but today we just didn’t have the speed behind Lando and Max. The car was super difficult for both Lewis and George to drive, we had a lot of understeer and both of them suffered from that. We started to lose ground from those ahead of us and that’s when we decided to box George and hopefully put us in a better situation. Unfortunately, we suffered a slow stop, then ended up in traffic and struggled to make it back through. Then with Lewis we had the false start and pit lane speeding which impacted further on his race along with the lack of pace.

We have one more to go and we will continue to give it our utmost. We will celebrate the relationship and partnership we have had with Lewis and these difficult races will be forgotten quickly. We have had an amazing partnership with Lewis that’s spanned over twelve years with six driver titles and eight constructors’ titles won together, and these are the things which we will hold dearly.
Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director

That was a difficult evening for the team. The underlying picture was that the car balance was very different to yesterday’s Sprint – and both drivers were limited with severe understeer in the opening stint, and lacking pace relative to the cars around us. However, we made too many other errors to earn strong finishing positions, and we were ultimately fortunate to salvage P4 with George thanks to retirements or problems for cars ahead of him.

It’s a valuable lesson in how quickly things can turn from a week ago in Las Vegas, and we have seen these kinds of performance oscillations for all teams at various points this season. There’s plenty for us to learn in order to improve, and we will be focused on doing so as we prepare for the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi – and what we hope will be a fitting farewell for Lewis.

Reserve Driver departs team after two years in role

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team can confirm that Reserve Driver Mick Schumacher has chosen to leave his role at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

Mick, 25, joined the team at the start of 2023 and has spent the past two years as Reserve Driver. Along with his duties in the team’s simulator, Mick has also provided valuable on-track feedback during various tests and races. He has also competed for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship in the past season, scoring the manufacturer’s maiden podium in Fuji, Japan.

Toto Wolff, CEO & Team Principal of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, said: “Mick’s hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as Reserve Driver has been vital for the team over the past two years. From his work in the simulator, testing of various cars, and being part of the trackside team, we couldn’t have asked for any more from him. From day one, he fitted into the team with ease and has become an incredibly well-liked colleague for everyone at Brackley and Brixworth.

“However, Mick is first and foremost a racing driver. We have seen from both his time in F1, and this year with his performances in the World Endurance Championship, that he is a racer of an incredibly high calibre and one that deserves to be competing in the very best championships. As he moves on to his next challenge, I would like to thank Mick personally for his contribution to our team and we all wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”

Mick Schumacher added: “I am grateful to Toto and the entire Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for the insight I have gained over these two years. They have undoubtedly made me a more experienced racing driver because I have got to know the engineering side better. But watching these cars race and not sitting in the cockpit myself is tough. I want to get back to focusing 100% on racing. I want to be fully committed to the sporting side of motorsport. Ultimately, it is racing that you want to do as a driver, it is racing that gives you that feeling you love.”

Toto Talks Qatar

We’re looking forward to the penultimate race of the season in Qatar after our 1-2 finish in Las Vegas. The team did a great job across the three days in the United States. We were quick throughout and executed well on Saturday night. George controlled the race from pole position, drove superbly and had pace in hand to spare. Lewis meanwhile put in a stellar comeback from P10, cutting his way through the field to P2 to secure the top two steps of the podium for the team. A highlight result is exactly what we wanted at the end of the season, and it is well-deserved given the hard work and determination everyone has shown in the second half of the year.

The races in Las Vegas and Qatar couldn’t be more different. The Lusail International Circuit has many high-speed sections and few, if any, big braking zones. Despite going there later in the calendar than last year, it will still be very warm. That is in contrast to the cool conditions and many slow speed sections of Las Vegas. Nevertheless, we are aiming for another strong showing this weekend. The W15 has looked more at home at circuits with lots of high-speed corners, such as Silverstone or Spa. We certainly benefitted from the night-time cold in Las Vegas, but the layout in Qatar should be more favourable to the strengths of our car. We know our competitors will be stronger than they were last weekend, but we will be aiming to get the car in a good window once again and be in the fight at the front.

Fact File: Qatar Grand Prix

    Following F1's inaugural visit to the Lusail International Circuit back in 2021, the circuit was completely resurfaced ahead of its second race in 2023.
    A completely new pit and paddock complex was also constructed in the run up to last season’s race.
    This included larger pit garages, new team buildings, and new access tunnels.
    Temperatures during the day in Doha last year reached close to 40°C, and several drivers found the conditions incredibly tough, as the race was held earlier in the year in early October.     
    The track has a fast and flowing nature as it is predominantly used for motorcycle racing.
    There is only one corner, Turn Six, that sees the minimum speed drop below 100 km/h.
    There are therefore no heavy braking events for the cars to tackle, a unique occurrence on the 2024 calendar.
    While the braking energy requirement is low, there are still six braking events that the cars encounter across the lap.
    There are 16 corners in total: 10 to the right and six to the left. The track's main straight covers over 1km of the total lap distance and is the sole DRS zone on the circuit.
    The pit lane in Qatar is the third longest of any circuit we visit on the calendar, behind only Imola and Silverstone. It clocks in at 502 metres and the expected pit lane time is over 20 seconds.
    Lewis Hamilton won the first Qatar Grand Prix for Mercedes in 2021.
    This will be the second year in a row that the circuit has hosted an F1 Sprint Race weekend.