Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes farewell was thrown into turmoil as the seven-time world champion faced an investigation following the chaotic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a race that also delivered a crushing blow to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

Hamilton Under Scrutiny

Lewis Hamilton’s tumultuous season took another twist as he found himself under investigation by the FIA for an alleged technical infringement during his final race with Mercedes. The news emerged shortly after the race, casting a shadow over what many expected to be a dignified goodbye to his team of over a decade.

While Mercedes has yet to confirm Hamilton’s departure, whispers in the paddock suggest that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was his final race for the Silver Arrows. However, the celebration of their long-standing partnership was marred by the FIA’s probe into a potential breach of car setup regulations. Speculation suggests the issue may relate to the car’s rear wing, which could lead to a severe penalty, tarnishing Hamilton’s farewell.

Speaking to the media after the race, Hamilton expressed frustration. “I’ve given everything to this team, and to have it end under these circumstances is heartbreaking,” he said. “I trust the team, and I trust the process, but this isn’t the way I wanted to close this chapter.”

Leclerc’s Hammer Blow

Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc’s season ended in bitter disappointment as a catastrophic pit stop blunder and poor race strategy saw him lose second place in the drivers’ championship to Sergio Pérez. The Ferrari ace came into the race with high hopes of consolidating his position as Red Bull’s closest challenger, but a mistimed tire change during a mid-race safety car period dashed those dreams.

Leclerc dropped out of podium contention, eventually finishing fifth. The result not only cost him the runner-up spot in the championship but also highlighted Ferrari’s continued struggles with race execution. A visibly upset Leclerc did not mince his words post-race. “This is not good enough. We need to be better. These mistakes cannot happen if we want to fight for championships.”

The Monegasque driver now faces an uncertain offseason as Ferrari’s leadership, under Fred Vasseur, looks to address the team’s ongoing strategic failings.

A Grand Prix of Mixed Fortunes

The Abu Dhabi finale was a microcosm of the 2024 season: dominance from Red Bull, flashes of brilliance from Hamilton, and heartbreak for Leclerc. Max Verstappen claimed yet another victory, cementing his status as the season’s undisputed champion. But the focus shifted quickly to the drama unfolding off-track, with Hamilton’s investigation and Ferrari’s missteps dominating headlines.

For Mercedes, the race marked the end of an era. Team Principal Toto Wolff paid tribute to Hamilton, calling him “the heart and soul of this team for over a decade.” Yet, the team now faces a challenging rebuild as it transitions into a new era, possibly with rising star George Russell and a yet-to-be-named new teammate.

Looking Ahead

As the dust settles on the 2024 season, the sport finds itself at a crossroads. Hamilton’s uncertain future, Leclerc’s growing frustrations, and the continued dominance of Verstappen and Red Bull set the stage for an intriguing offseason.

For Hamilton, the investigation looms large, potentially overshadowing a storied career that has inspired millions. For Leclerc, the question remains whether Ferrari can finally deliver a car and strategy capable of matching his undeniable talent. And for fans, the wait for answers promises a dramatic start to 2025.