Lewis Hamilton fights back tears as he sends classy tribute to Mercedes colleagues ahead of Ferrari switch

LEWIS HAMILTON held back tears and wowed fans with donuts after an emotional last dance with Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion rocked up to the paddock in a Ferrari red suit, still reeling after a horrendous qualifying session saw him start the race in 16th.

AP

Sir Lewis Hamilton held back tears after an emotional last dance with Mercedes[/caption]

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Hamilton is set to leave Mercedes for Ferrari[/caption]

But he produced what Toto Wolff described as the “drive of a world champion” to cross the line in fourth after 12 glittering years with Mercedes ahead of his move to Ferrari next season.

He has been a part of the most successful team-driver combination in F1 history, winning six of his seven championships with Merc, 84 of his 105 race wins, and 78 of his 104 poles.

Hamilton fought back tears and said on his team radio after the race: “The pleasure’s been mine. We dreamed alone. But together we believed. And as a team, we achieved things that only…

“Thank you for all the courage, the determination and the passion for seeing me and supporting me.

“What started out as a leap of faith turned into a journey into the history books. So, we did everything together and I’m so, so grateful to everyone. From the bottom of my heart, all the best.”

His race engineer Peter Bonnington took to the radio and said: “Thank you, Lewis. It has been an amazing journey,

“I’m so grateful to be part of this chapter of your life and best luck for the next one,”

Wolff added: “We love you too and you’re always going to be part of that family. And if we can’t win, you should win.”

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It was an epic comeback for Hamilton after a nightmare qualifying which saw his team leave him out too late and while under pressure on his flying lap a bollard came lodged underneath his car.

He was knocked out in 18th but started in 16th on the grid due to penalties for Charles Leclerc and Alex Albon.

While on fresher tyres, Hamilton closed on George Russell and started the final lap on his tail.

Hamilton closed in down the two long straights and then used his better tyres to pass Russell around the long fast Turn Nine after the younger man defended to the inside.

Wolff added: “Lewis, that was the drive of a world champion. Amazing.”