On Thursday Hamilton went to both the racing team in Brackley and the HPP engine division in Brixworth for a final debrief on 2023 before heading for his winter break.
He says the mood in the camp is “positive” after the team secured second place in the constructors’ championship despite a difficult season that saw no wins.
"I've been very busy,” said Hamilton ahead of Friday’s FIA prizegiving gala. “It's been a long, long year, but just tying up all the loose ends, working with the team.
“I was at the team yesterday just thanking everyone for the amazing work they've done throughout the year. It's a special time of the year, you’re winding down and you're seeing where we're going next.”
When asked what mood he’d found at the factory, he said: "The mood is very positive. I think all the members in the team are incredibly grateful to have got second in the constructors' given the challenges that we faced this season. And so it's always quite emotional.
“And I've been with the team for such a long time, but every time you go back to Brixworth and Brackley, and you're reminded of just how big a team is pushing you forward from behind.
“And you see every individual, some people that are new to the team that have joined whilst I've been here, and some that have been way before, and also some that have worked on my engine since my first Grand Prix in F1. It's amazing to see just the progress and the growth.
“And also our team is becoming more and more diverse, which has been really pleasing for me to see, that we are moving in the right direction."
Source: Autosport