Toto has praised the unity of the team as he, Lewis and Mick visited the Brackley and Brixworth factories to mark the end of the year.
The trio visited the team to talk about the season, securing P2 in the Constructors’ Championship and they paid tribute to everyone who has contributed both on and off the track.
George couldn’t be with the team as he recovers from the illness he was struggling with in the final two races of the season. Get well soon, George!
Our diversity is our strength
Toto
“Diversity is our strength,” said Toto.
“It's so good to see team members who have been here a long time and not so long.
“The team always shows great unity, it's what makes us different and sets us apart. We are honest with each other, we share the same objective. We want to win and we want to work together.”
Lewis echoed these thoughts and was quick to praise the efforts of the team at base camp, especially as he and George were trying to secure P2 in the Constructors’ Championship.
He said: “I'm encouraged by the progress we made through the year. We were adding performance, not taking steps back. I know we were both pushing so hard to get that second place for you guys.
“Whilst you can’t all be there at the race weekend, we know you are there in spirit.
“It's been good to have these two years. We learn about ourselves. I have trust in every single one of you, I 1,000% believe we will be back on top.”
While Lewis said his training for 2024 would start next week, Toto will be enjoying some time off.
“My off season will be about downtime,” he said.
“The last few races were very physically and mentally draining. It will be about waking up in the morning and realising there is no plan for the day.”
Although George couldn’t be at the factories in person, he sent a message to the team thanking everyone for their efforts throughout the year.
“I just wanted to send a message, thanking you so much for all of your hard work and commitment throughout this season,” he said.
“I know as a team we’re still not where we want to be, but I felt like finishing the season in Abu Dhabi P2 ahead of the Ferraris was such a morale boost for all of us, really deserved after what was a very turbulent season to say the least and going into next year feeling so excited, so motivated to bridge that gap to the Red Bulls.
“I just want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, enjoy a bit of time off with your loved ones and I can’t wait to see you all in the New Year.”
And for Mick, who has re-signed with the team as a Reserve Driver but will drive for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship, it was a good year providing invaluable experience in the Sim supporting Lewis, George and the trackside team.
“There was a lot of hard work and some late nights in the Sim this year, particularly during the European season,” Mick said. “Hopefully I was able to help Lewis and George through that, that was the aim.”
The visit was a great way for the team to visit both factories and speak to everyone at base camp who support their efforts trackside.
Hywel Thomas, managing director of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, gave his thanks to Lewis and Mick for their visit while he praised the team for their efforts through the year.
“It is always fabulous to welcome the drivers to Brixworth,” Hywel said.
“The factory is hugely energised when they visit and it is brilliant to see them also looking uplifted by seeing all the great work the team is doing here.
“It has been a long, challenging season but the togetherness of the team and the unity everyone has shown throughout the year has been exceptional.
“The whole team at Brixworth will be doing everything we can to help the drivers succeed on the track in 2024 and we are really looking forward to what the new year brings.”
Whatever happens in 2024, we know everyone at the factories and trackside will be working together to do everything they can to help the team.