Lewis Hamilton revelled in finishing "on a high" with Mercedes as the seven-time world champion bid an emotional farewell to his Formula One team.

Hamilton brought an end to his 12-year spell with Mercedes after a fourth-placed finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.

The 39-year-old, in his final race before joining Ferrari next year, started 16th on the grid but produced an impressive performance to end what had been a challenging season.

"It has been probably the longest year of my life, knowing from the beginning I was leaving," Hamilton said.

"It's like a relationship that you've told whoever the counterpart is you're leaving but you're living together for a year. Lots of ups and downs but we finished on a high.

"We've definitely had ups and downs but what's come through is there has been real love."

Hamilton, who finished seventh in the drivers' championship, passed Mercedes team-mate George Russell before climbing out of his car to savour an emotional outing.

"Each moment I have known it was one of the last and it has been really clear and really hard to let go," Hamilton said.

"When I stopped the car. I wanted to embrace the moment. Representing Mercedes has been the greatest moment of my life.

"Just giving thanks, my own spirit for not giving up, everyone the power to have built that car. I am proud of everyone."

Wherever he goes, he’ll always be Mr Mercedes pic.twitter.com/u1n5zK6RQa

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 8, 2024

Hamilton triumphed in two races this year, his first wins since 2021, when he lost out on the world title in controversial circumstances to Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

Ferrari awaits the F1 great, and soon-to-be colleague Charles Leclerc cannot wait to work with Hamilton, though is sad to lose team-mate Carlos Sainz.

"Lewis has achieved so much in the sport and it will be a big motivation," Leclerc said. "For now though, I'm thinking about the past year and the past years I've done with Carlos.

"We have had an amazing relationship. We have pushed each other. I really hoped we could finish these four years with the Constructors' Championship.

"Obviously now the disappointment is here and I will have four or five days to reset then think about next year."