Mercedes celebrates fifth title
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport today, November 13, 2018, celebrated like five-time World Champions should, with special events in Brixworth and Brackley
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.
“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 realizes what we’ve achieved together is absolutely phenomenal. Let’s keep pushing, let’s keep raising the bar together!”
“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.”
“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 to hold a celebration for the fifth consecutive Championship double? I think one of our core strengths is the great energy of this team – you can feel it when you walk in here, it’s the collective energy in Brixworth and Brackley, that makes this team truly special. We all embrace the challenge, we take our competitors seriously and we all try to continuously progress as human beings and as professionals in our jobs in order to raise the bar. This constant striving for improvement, trying to be better every single day, is exactly what makes you win Championships. Today, we’re also paying special tribute to Niki. Niki, you probably would have told us that we shouldn’t be so “damn emotional” today, but I think I speak for all of us when I say that we miss you and very much look forward to seeing you again soon.”
COURTESY OF: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport