Lewis Hamilton will say goodbye to Mercedes this weekend, marking the end of a 12-year journey with the team that helped him secure six world championships. As he prepares to join Ferrari, the Italian team is eager to reclaim the constructors' title after a 16-year drought. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held under floodlights on Sunday, symbolizes the conclusion of an era for Hamilton, who has been with Mercedes for 26 years.

Hamilton's move to Ferrari is seen as an opportunity for him to regain the form that made him the most successful driver in Formula 1 history, with seven titles and 105 wins. However, the current 'ground effect' era has seen Red Bull dominate with Max Verstappen winning four consecutive drivers' titles. Despite a recent decline in Red Bull's performance, McLaren holds a 21-point lead over Ferrari heading into the final race of the season.

Hamilton's departure from Mercedes is bittersweet, with team boss Toto Wolff acknowledging the team's achievements. "It is a celebration of everything we have achieved," Wolff said. "We will honour an unparalleled story in Abu Dhabi and then visit Kuala Lumpur, Stuttgart, and both Brixworth and Brackley... Lewis will always be part of our family." Wolff added that the team aims to add one more highlight before Hamilton's final visits to their facilities.

Ferrari offered Hamilton a contract until 2026, which Mercedes was unwilling to match, providing him with a platform to pursue an eighth title and promote diversity and inclusion. A Ferrari victory on Sunday could set the stage for his move and help him overcome recent frustrations. Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur is confident in Hamilton's abilities, despite his recent comments about losing speed.

Hamilton, who turns 40 in January, is determined to "rise again" and make his mark. "I'm still standing," he said. "It's not how you fall, it's how you get back up." Carlos Sainz, Hamilton's future teammate, is also aiming for a strong finish as Ferrari seeks to overturn McLaren's lead.

With McLaren starting as favorites, Red Bull's Max Verstappen aims for his 10th win of the season, while Sergio Perez may be racing his last race with the team. Alpine welcomes Jack Doohan for his debut, replacing Esteban Ocon.

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