Wolff leaves Hamilton emotional Mercedes goodbye voice message

Toto Wolff has sent Lewis Hamilton what he claims is "the most important message" between the pair following the culmination of the seven-time F1 champion's F1 career with Mercedes.

After 12 years with the team, including winning six of his titles, Hamilton bowed out on Sunday on a relative high by rising to fourth at the chequered flag of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after starting the race from a lowly 16th on the grid.

After Hamilton missed out on what would have been a record eighth crown in controversial circumstances, the last three years have not gone to plan for a driver who now heads to Ferrari next season to write the final chapter of his storied career.

Wolff, who was informed of Hamilton's decision in January this year and then had to go through a difficult campaign with the 39-year-old still at the wheel and knowing he was losing him to a major rival, is determined there will be no animosity between the pair.

To that end, Wolff opted to leave a very poignant voice note via WhatsApp initially before Mercedes posted it on X, accompanied by a range of black-and-white images that encapsulated Hamilton's time with the team.

"Hi Lewis, I’m on the go, so I thought I’d better leave you a voice note - like always," said Wolff.

"Yeah, the moment is here we all knew was coming. We’ve raced the last lap. The longest and most successful partnership in Formula 1 history. Who would have thought that when we started the journey?

"It’s been a crazy ride for a boy from Stevenage who had a dream, and who shared this journey with us at Mercedes.

"So now you’re opening up a new chapter with Ferrari. But most importantly, remember one thing, find your people, not just the ones who work with you or sign your contract. Obviously, we know that's important.

"But the ones who dream with you, who fight with you, who have your back and your ear; the ones who stand with you and kneel with you; the ones who see you, including the parts you don’t want [to be] seen, who never stop believing, even when you do sometimes.

"Because when you find your people you don’t just beat the world, you change it. And whatever the future holds, just remember, we will always be your people, because every dream needs a team. You know it.

"Take care my friend, see you on track. We are really looking forward to it. That’s the most important message I’ve ever sent."