Mercedes sporting director: “Hamilton is a unique driver. Never a single argument in 12 years with him”. Ron Meadows described Lewis Hamilton with unchanging admiration.

Lewis Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes

After 12 seasons filled with success and world titles, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have officially parted ways. The Briton will chase his eighth crown with Ferrari, while the Brackley team will focus on the talent of George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli to turn the page and potentially start a new era.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, however, will never be ordinary rivals. It’s impossible to be after a partnership that delivered six drivers’ titles, eight constructors’ championships, 84 victories, and 78 pole positions. Yet, the bond between Sir Lewis and the team led by Toto Wolff goes beyond numbers, built on relationships that even a move to Ferrari cannot diminish. Bonds like the one with Toto Wolff or with Mercedes sporting director Ron Meadows, who spoke with unchanging esteem for the British superstar.

Ron Meadows’ comments

“He is certainly a unique personality, a person who can compartmentalize his life,” Meadows told The New York Times. “He’s probably the most respectful driver I’ve ever worked with. In 12 years, we never had a single argument, which is incredible given the number of races we’ve done together (246, ed.). We often went to the stewards, especially during the years with Nico Rosberg: no matter whose fault it was, he always understood that I had to remain impartial.” – he pointed out.

“He is quite demanding with the engineers because it’s his job to get the best out of them, but he’s always respectful. And when he’s been a bit too insistent at times, he’s understood when to take a step back,” he continued. “I find it very easy to work with him. When he comes to the factory, he gives his all, but he also knows when to relax, something other drivers struggle with. With us, he was completely focused on his races, but 12 hours after the race, you’d see him on social media on a plane doing something completely different. He’s unique compared to all other drivers because he has so many things going on in his life.” – the Mercedes sporting director concluded.