Mercs-bound star also refuses to rebuke Hulk after clash
Sunday 25 November 2012 22:25, UK
A philosophical Lewis Hamilton expressed his regret at not being able to end his final race for McLaren with a victory but wished his long-time team well for their new era without him in 2013.
The disappointing finish at Interlagos reflected a season of unfulfilled promise in general for both Hamilton and McLaren, a number of mechanical retirements and operational errors having put the 2008 champion out of the running for the title long before Brazil. Reflecting on 2012 in general, Hamilton expressed disappointment that he wasn't a more central part of the title decider but said McLaren should be pleased with the competitiveness of their car at season's end, even if would he personally wouldn't be there to take advantage of any carry-over into next season. "It's been a little bit unfortunate we weren't there for the [title] fight but it's great to see the performance that the team had at the end of the year and I really wish them the best for next year and the future," he said. And asked for his emotions ahead of his big winter move, Hamilton added: "I guess mixed emotions. The team have been fantastic, so supportive, and they did an amazing job. Unfortunate I couldn't have done it for them, but Jenson did, so that's a positive. "Sad about the race in some ways but excited about the future as well. So it's a mix of emotions."
