Lewis Hamilton’s former Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg has criticised his apparent fashion statement at at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Hamilton has now left the Silver Arrows after 12 years, and will spend the next two seasons at Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc.
Despite winning two races this year, his first Grand Prix victories since the 2021 season, it was hardly a glorious sign-off from the seven-time world champion.
He could only finish seventh in the drivers’ standings, behind partner George Russell, with the team continuing to struggle to get to grips with Formula One’s new era of regulations.
However, that farewell followed what appeared a pointed clothing message from Hamilton at the Yas Marina. In his first appearance at the circuit on Thursday, he wore a completely white outfit, not unusual given the array of gear he has previously won at F1 events.
But then as the weekend wore on, the British icon donned a red and white outfit, before finishing by dressing up entirely in red. The transition of colours appeared to be signifying his move from the white of Mercedes to the famous colour of the Scuderia.
His behaviour was noted with Rosberg, who famously shared four tempestuous seasons alongside Hamilton from 2013 to 2016. The pair’s personal relationship frequently reached breaking point as they battled for the F1 title, with the German driver winning his maiden championship in 2016 before immediately retiring.
“I see the decision as something very strange and inappropriate,” he said according to Spanish outlet Marca. “It’s a shame. It’s his day and his choice, so it’s fine. They appreciate him and they still have a good relationship, but it is a small detail that makes me sad.”
For Hamilton to flaunt his new team colours before actually leaving Mercedes did appear a strange call. But his antics were laughed off by team principal Toto Wolff, with the star’s eccentric dressing considered nothing new in F1 circles.
And despite the strange gesture, there appeared no ill-feeling when Hamilton did give his farewell address to his now former colleagues. He wished the team “the absolute best,” for the future, and said he would continue to look out for results.
“You know, Mercedes has changed my life, growing up in Stevenage and dreaming of becoming world champion,” he said. “I didn’t know there would be a huge amount of people that I’d get to work with who would be the ones to lift me up and take me on my journey. I’m always going to be wishing you the absolute best.”
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