Prince Harry and Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi in 2014. (Image: F1/Getty.)
One of the most iconic driver-team partnerships in F1 history now has just three Grand Prix races left as prepares to leave at the end of the season. The seven-time world champion is joining on a two-year deal, a move which will spell the end of a 12-year association with the Silver Arrows.
Remarkably, Hamilton’s switch from in 2013 was initially met with much scepticism from supporters of the Silver Arrows.
Despite winning an F1 world title in just his second F1 season in 2008, the British driver had since struggled to live up to the huge expectations, and a fourth placed finish in his first campaign with Wolff and co did little to erase doubts.
However, in 2014 – exactly 10 years ago today – Hamilton edged out team-mate Nico Rosberg to land a second drivers’ crown, sealing the title in the final race at Abu Dhabi. And he reacted on team radio by famously declaring: “This is the greatest day of my life.”
But it wasn’t just engineers and team officials celebrating in the pitlane. was also alongside executives as a VIP guest, and he had a special message for the then 29-year-old.
“Lewis thank you very much for not making the British public sweat,” said his Royal Highness, just seconds after Hamilton had crossed the line. “You are an absolute legend. Well done mate.”
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our
Hamilton ahead of FP1 in Las Vegas. (Image: Getty)
He then humorously gave Hamilton permission to perform ‘donuts’ on the track at the Yas Marina Circuit, with the driver duly obliging. It was an order that the F1 account reminded Harry of ahead of his wedding to in May 2018, replaying the Abu Dhabi moment and asking: “Role reversal at the Royal Wedding on Saturday?”
The 2014 campaigns saw Hamilton notch 11 wins, 16 podiums, and seven pole positions. It also kick-started a period of dominance that would see him claim five further titles with , the last of which came in 2020.
And after his dialogue with the Prince, he went on to say: “It’s the greatest feeling I’ve ever had. This has been an incredible year, I cannot believe how amazing it has all been – coming to this team, when people said it was the wrong choice, and the steps we took last year and this year is unbelievable.”
Exactly a decade on from that famous day, Hamilton has enjoyed a positive start to the current race weekend in Las Vegas. in ’Sin City’ on Friday, firstly from team-mate and then .
Following the Grand Prix in America, the season will culminate in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. So far, 82 of Hamilton’s 105 F1 wins have come with his current team, with time running out if he is to add to his record haul before leaving for the Scuderia.