Hamilton and Bottas hail 'huge achievement' as Mercedes clinch record eighth constructors' title

Lewis Hamilton has said that he's “so proud” of Mercedes after they won a record-setting eighth consecutive championship in a tense 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale.

Hamilton helped the Silver Arrows extend their current record of title wins and cement their legacy as one of Formula 1’s most dominant teams, as they won their eighth teams’ title since 2014, having entered the season finale with a 28-point lead over Red Bull.

READ MORE: Verstappen claims maiden title after victory in Abu Dhabi season finale following late Safety Car drama

“I think we did an amazing job this year,” began Hamilton. “My team, everyone back at the factory, all the men and women, we worked so hard this year. It’s been the most difficult of seasons and I’m so proud of them, so grateful to be a part of the journey with them, and we gave it everything.

“This last part of the season we gave it absolutely everything, and we never gave up – that’s the most important thing,” he added after Mercedes’ title win.

Team mate Valtteri Bottas added that this was a “huge achievement” by the team, as he now prepares to head to Alfa Romeo in 2022.

“The constructors’... is just a huge achievement by the team, so many times in a row,” said Bottas, who would ultimately finish his final race for the Silver Arrows in a disappointing P6. “But yes, I mean, a bit mixed emotions at the moment, but maybe we need some time to process.”

Mercedes have launched a protest after the events in Abu Dhabi, which saw a late Safety Car called and withdrawn to trigger a one-lap sprint to the finish, during which Verstappen passed Hamilton to seal the title.