Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, choked back emotions as he unveiled the Mercedes W15 on Wednesday, marking the start of his final season with the team before a surprising move to Ferrari in 2025.

“It’s emotional, to be honest,” Hamilton admitted, revealing he even struggled to sleep the night before the launch. “This is the last car I’ll unveil with this incredible team, and the anticipation is overwhelming.”

Despite the bittersweet moment, the air crackled with excitement for the season ahead. The W15, the latest creation from the dominant Mercedes team, promises speed and innovation. However, the looming shadow of Hamilton’s departure cast a subtle but undeniable sadness over the event.

While both Hamilton and the team have vowed to finish their partnership on a high note, the undercurrent of change resonated throughout the launch. The “subdued feel,” as some journalists noted, was a stark contrast to previous years’ energetic unveilings.

Despite the mixed emotions, Hamilton remains optimistic about the W15. “We’ve pushed boundaries and made improvements,” he emphasized, acknowledging the unknown performance of rival teams. “It’s exciting, not knowing what’s possible.”

This launch comes at a crucial time in the F1 season, with other teams like McLaren also unveiling their 2024 challengers. The air is thick with anticipation as fans, drivers, and teams gear up for what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable season.

Hamilton’s final year with Mercedes marks the end of an era, but it also signifies a new beginning. With tears and anticipation intertwined, the launch set the stage for a season filled with nostalgia and the promise of exciting new chapters in Formula One history.