Hamilton gets set for "super emotional" Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend

Lewis Hamilton faced the media at Yas Marina Circuit on Thursday, ahead of this weekend's Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024, his final race for Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion will join rival-team Ferrari next season. 

He told the medai in Abu Dhabi, including ARN, that he is incredibly proud of what he has achieved with his current team, especially in inclusion and diversity, and is very grateful for his experiences there.

"Obviously I'm trying to think about making sure that I finish off the right way and the best way possible with Mercedes," said Hamilton. "These next days are going to be super emotional."

But Hamilton also said that it was a dream scenario, for any driver, to have an opportunity like this.

"It's all a big unknown for what's up ahead, obviously massive excitement," Hamilton admitted.

Sharing the sofa at the drivers' press conference, was fellow driver Carlos Sainz, who is effectively making way for Hamilton at Ferrari, and moving to the Williams team next year.

When asked if he had any tips for Hamilton at the Italian team, he graciously sidestepped the question.

"No, honestly, I don't think a seven-time world champion who has changed teams multiple times needs my advice," said Sainz, before saying he thought Hamilton would receive an incredible reception from the local fans, the Tifosi.

Ferrari will be fully focused on its title fight this weekend, for number one position in the Constructors Championship.

While the drivers' competition was decided two weeks ago in Las Vegas, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen claiming the title for the fourth consecutive year, the battle for the constructors title is still to be locked away.

McLaren is currently in the lead in the teams standings on 640 points, but Ferrari are a mere 21 points behind.  

Three practice sessions at Yas Marina Circuit will be held on Friday and Saturday before the qualifying session at 6:00 pm UAE-time on Saturday.

Lights will go out at 5:00 pm on Sunday for the season-ending Formula One Grand Prix, and away they will go.

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— Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (@abudhabigp) December 5, 2024