Lewis Hamilton's parting gesture as he embarks on a new chapter in his career is a testament to his class and respect for Mercedes. He commissioned renowned artist Paul Oz to create a painting celebrating the essence of Formula 1, a piece that will forever commemorate his time with the Silver Arrows.
Lewis Hamilton has been lauded as a 'class act' for his thoughtful parting gift to Mercedes ' 3,000 employees. Even as Mercedes navigates the post-Hamilton era, the Silver Arrows will always cherish a reminder of the British legend. Hamilton commissioned renowned artist Paul Oz to create a painting depicting him in action, a masterpiece destined to adorn Mercedes ' Brackley headquarters.
Oz, a highly respected motorsport artist and sculptor, is known for crafting the busts of motorsport icons like Bruce McLaren, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, and James Hunt at McLaren's base in Woking.Hamilton's sole stipulation for the artwork was a focus on the car rather than himself. Oz, drawing inspiration from the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix, just days after the passing of Niki Lauda, captured the essence of the racing machine. The team had run a red halo in Lauda's honor, adding a layer of poignant symbolism to the painting.This painting, now proudly displayed at their Brackley HQ, has been replicated for each of Mercedes' 3,000 staff members. Oz shared, 'My only instruction was to center the car in the artwork, not Lewis. I chose an image from Monaco 2019, just days after Niki Lauda passed away, and the team ran a red halo to remember him.' Interestingly, this was the same day that Zak contacted me about creating a Niki bronze statue to stand alongside his car on the MTC boulevard.'Oz, reflecting on the experience, said, 'To me, this is where the magic happens, when things come full circle. After spending almost two decades celebrating Lewis in paint, even after all that has happened in recent years, that’s a little tough to get my head around.'Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the bittersweet transition, stating, 'It's a little bit like when you divorce amicably, and it's all good, and then you see your partner for the first time with a new friend.'Hamilton, on the other hand, is focused on the future. He recently had a minor incident during pre-season testing, hitting a barrier in the final sector at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Thankfully, he escaped unharmed. Hamilton will be looking for a smoother run when he and the rest of the F1 grid head to Bahrain for pre-season testing, scheduled for February 26 to 28.
Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Farewell Gift Painting Paul Oz Formula 1 Motorsport
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