The Gentleman Magazine Issue 12 | December 2018 | Page 33
MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS MOTORSPORT
CELEBRATES FIFTH CONSECUTIVE FORMULA
ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLE
When Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport revealed their
2018 Formula One car almost ten months ago, it was dubbed
“More than a Machine” – not only because it was the outcome
of roughly 1,000 years of working hours, but also because the
Mercedes-AMG F1 W09 EQ Power+ captured the hopes and
dreams of the entire Mercedes family. Today, that family came
together to share a moment that very few people in Formula
One have ever experienced: We celebrated our fifth consecutive
double title after securing the FIA Formula One Constructors’
Championship on Sunday in Brazil and the Driver’s title two
weeks earlier in Mexico. Led by Toto Wolff, Andy Cowell,
James Allison, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, the team on
both sites reflected on a hard-fought title win against worthy
opponents that resonates as the most meaningful in the team’s
history so far. This feeling was underlined by a special tribute
to Niki Lauda when the entire team doffed red caps and quite
literally took their hats off to the racing legend who could not
celebrate with his team today. Both Mercedes-AMG Petronas
Motorsport, 2018 FIA Formula One Constructors’ World
Champion-elect, and Lewis Hamilton, 2018 FIA Formula One
Drivers’ World Champion-elect, will formally be crowned with
their fifth World Championships at the FIA Prize-Giving Gala
in St. Petersburg, Russia, on 7 December.
Lewis Hamilton
Huge congratulations to all of you! This is the best I’ve felt
coming here, that entry was the best we’ve ever had. I just want
to take a moment to say thank you everyone! I’m just incredibly
proud of everyone’s hard work. I know it’s been a tough year
for everyone here, so thank you all – it’s been a privilege and
absolutely awesome to drive this car.
All the cars before have been pretty great to drive, but this has
been the car that I’ve enjoyed the most in all those years. I felt
like it enabled me to bring something out of myself that I knew
was there, but not every year you’re able to extract it within the
car – this is from all the hard work you have done. It’s great to
see everyone so hyped and enthusiastic. So, let’s make sure that
we enjoy this moment and embrace it. I hope everyone realises
what we’ve achieved together is absolutely phenomenal. Let’s
keep pushing, let’s keep raising the bar together!
Valtteri Bottas
It’s really good to be here – what a fantastic atmosphere! It’s
great to see so many happy faces today, you all truly deserve
this Championship. Every single member of this team has done
an amazing job. One of our great advantages this year was that
we were able to turn all the pressure from the competition and
the tough battle with Ferrari into strengths and motivation.
That has been the key to success this year, and something we
need to remember for next year when the competition is most
likely going to be even tougher. For me personally, this season
was not what I had hoped for, but I’m really happy to be part
of this Constructors’ Championship-winning team – it means
a lot to me and I’m a very proud team member. Thanks a lot
for all your hard work – you’ve built an awesome car that is
absolutely amazing and a great enjoyment to drive.
Toto Wolff
What a great reception from the team – I have goose bumps!
It was an amazing season with many ups and downs, but those
downs have made us better and make it even more enjoyable to
celebrate today. Who would have ever thought a few years ago
The Gentleman Magazine | 33