Hamilton makes Mercedes drop-by vow to guarantee legacy

Lewis Hamilton has pledged to retain his links with Mercedes and observe the progress of its diversity and inclusivity projects.

Throughout his success-filled years at Mercedes, Hamilton was a major advocate to boost opportunities for people from underrepresented areas.

The 39-year-old has opted to make a switch to Ferrari in 2025 to partner Charles Leclerc and commence a new career chapter after 12 seasons at the Brackley-based squad.

Despite unrivalled success with Mercedes, Hamilton detailed he takes the most joy from his work away from the on-track results and highlighted he would not cease his involvement. 

“I think the thing I am most proud of, and what I leave behind, I hope this is in a positive way, is the work done with diversity and inclusion,” Hamilton told media, including RacingNews365. 

“From the first moment sitting down with Toto [Wolff], him being open-minded, the whole team being open-minded, all team members going through diversity and inclusion training and creating that diversity in the team.

"We did Ignite and they put their money where their mouth was and invested. We have a very diverse team now, which is something I am grateful to be a part of.”

Wolff makes Hamilton promise

As to what follows at Mercedes now Hamilton has left to join Ferrari, he added: "I said to Toto, when I leave there is going to be no one in the room who has these difficult conversations with you because I’m the one. 

“But I hope you will continue and he said he will. I will come by every now and then to make sure that continues.”

Hamilton also voiced pride in Mercedes' attitude towards its on-track adversities across the last three seasons.

"Then, on the track, it's a show of resilience over the years and our continued pursuit of perfection,” he added.

“I love that journey with us, and these last few years it's not been spectacular in terms of performances, but there are a lot of great things we have done away from the track particularly. This has been a real test of time to show how resilient we are.”