'We will always be your people' – Toto Wolff shares special message ...

Toto Wolff has shared an emotional final message with Lewis Hamilton as the seven-time world champion prepares to head to Ferrari after spending 12 years breaking records with Mercedes.

The Team Principal, who has held the position since Hamilton chose Mercedes instead of McLaren in a shock move in 2013, has spoken openly in recent weeks about the emotions surrounding the Briton’s departure.

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Together they formed the most successful partnership in Formula 1 history, winning eight constructors’ titles and taking Hamilton’s own tally of driver's championships to seven – matching Michael Schumacher.

Their final season has not been the smoothest ride, with inconsistent performances resulting in the 39-year-old both taking a poignant victory at Silverstone and struggling to get out of Q1 on a handful of occasions.

Hamilton did donuts on track after his final race with Mercedes

Nevertheless, Wolff previously insisted that Mercedes would focus on their many achievements with Hamilton rather than the lows they have experienced this year, as the team planned a variety of farewell celebrations for the champion.

In a WhatsApp voice message, Wolff said: “We had a moment this year we all knew was coming – we’ve reached the last lap. The longest and most successful partnership in Formula 1 history – who would have thought that when we started the journey?

“It’s been a crazy ride for a boy from Stevenage who had a dream and who shared his journey with us at Mercedes.”

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Hamilton concluded his time with the Brackley outfit with a last-lap overtake on his team mate George Russell at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing fourth in the race and seventh in the drivers’ standings.

Although he will not participate in the post-season test, he will head to Ferrari next season to partner Charles Leclerc, as the team hope to bounce back from losing this year’s constructors' championship to McLaren and come out on top once again.

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“Now you’re opening up a new chapter with Ferrari, but it’s most important to remember one thing: find your people,” Wolff advised Hamilton.

“Not just the ones who work with you or sign your contract – obviously we know that’s important, but the ones that dream with you, fight with you, who have your back and your ear, the ones who stand with you and kneel with you.

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“The ones who see you, including the parts you don’t want seen, who never stop believing even when you do sometimes. Because when you find your people, you don’t just beat the world – you change it.

“Whatever the future holds, just remember we will always be your people, because every dream needs a team, you know it. Take care my friend, see you on track. We are really looking forward to it. That’s the most important message I’ve ever sent!”