For his final three years with Mercedes, Hamilton was partnered by fellow Briton Russell, who finished 22 points ahead of him in the drivers’ championship.
Russell, 26, said: “I felt it was a very fitting way to finish with Lewis, apart from a second after all these years, I’m glad he had a great weekend. He’s his was deserved.
“I’ve learned a lot from Lewis as a driver and as a person. I’m proud of what I’ve had over the years.”
Russell, who will partner 18-year-old Italian rookie Andrea Cami Antonelli in 2025, said Hamilton had taught him a lot about how to behave as a role model.
“I recognize with Lewis that we all have this platform and we have to use it properly. This is even more evident with my young nieces and nephews who are watching TikTok and Netflix.
“How you deal with wins and losses affects young children.
“The biggest life lesson I’ve learned from him is that, even if you really want to express something, millions of people are watching it, and the way you do it matters. Very important.”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, reflecting on their 12 years together, said: “It creates attachment, trust and those values are rare in this day and age and that’s why it’s an era that we will always hold close to our hearts.”
