Lewis Hamilton has stated the Mercedes F1 team has “changed my life” as he prepares for his final run of races with the Brackley-based team.
Hamilton will depart Mercedes at the end of the current season and link up with Ferrari on a multi-year contract.
The partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes has formed into the most successful in F1 history, with the Briton winning six world championships with the team.
Hamilton has just 10 more races in Mercedes colours ahead of his departure, as he highlighted the pride he holds in his journey with the team.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the people that I work with in this team,” Hamilton told media including RacingNews365.
“I couldn’t be more grateful to Mercedes. They’ve changed my life.
“They supported me at 13 years of age and they have given me the chance to be an F1 driver for them and put their faith behind me for all these years.”
Hamilton ‘excited’ for coming F1 races
Hamilton has won twice in the last three races as Mercedes has progressed back to the front of the grid after a run of difficult form.
The seven-time world champion has been backed to add to his win tally before his exit from the team as Hamilton praised Mercedes’ ability to pull through its difficult period.
“It’s been amazing,” he said. “We’ve gone through difficult times. We’ve always come out with our heads held high and stayed true to really good values.
“For us have gone through the difficult phase and now building back up to fighting for wins is a great feeling.
“I’m proud of the work George and I are doing with the team. I’m really excited about the next few months that we have ahead of us.”