Lewis Hamilton releases emotional statement ahead of his 246th and final race with Mercedes at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton has issued an emotional statement ahead of his final race as a Mercedes driver.

Back in February, Hamilton shocked the entire Formula 1 world after announcing that he would be leaving Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season.

From the 2025 campaign onwards, the seven-time F1 world champion will be racing for Ferrari, partnering Charles Leclerc.

Last weekend, Hamilton endured a tough time at the Qatar Grand Prix after he was penalised for a false start.

The Brit then asked his team to retire the car before finishing 12th in the race.

Ahead of his final race with Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, Hamilton took to social media to release an emotional statement.

He wrote on Instagram: "This is really it. My last race with @mercedesamgf1. What we’ve built together over the years is nothing short of historic. People doubted me making this move in 2013, and here we are now.

"The records we’ve broken, the championships we’ve won, it all speaks for itself. This won’t be the last time I thank Mercedes, but going into my final race with this team is really hitting me now."

Hamilton continued: "It’s really the end of an era in my life, in my career, for the team, and in F1 history. I’m proud of what we’ve created, I’m proud of every single person that been part of this with me. Thank you. It’s been real, now let’s go again one more time."

Lewis Hamilton will race alongside Charles Leclerc next season. Image: Getty

Speaking about of his Mercedes exit in Matt Whyman's new book titled 'Inside Mercedes F1', Hamilton said, as per The Mirror: "I feel like I am ending a relationship that is perfectly fine. We are still in love. I have not lost faith in the team, I am just leaving for myself. It has been a childhood dream - I think it is probably the same for every kid who loves motorsport, you know? Driving the red car.

"The fact is I am moving towards the end of my career, I have only got a few years left and so I started thinking how I would feel looking back on it all. I asked myself if I would be truly happy if I just stayed with the team rather than experiencing something different."