There are some announcements you know will inevitably come one day.

But somehow, you’re never really prepared for them.

Even though Mike told me a little while ago, this one still hits me particularly hard.

I’ve always considered the drivers as “my” kids, and I’ve always tried to do absolutely everything I could for them.

So when one of them announces that it’s time to stop, it always gets to me.

It was the same with Alex, Anthony, Nico, Stéphane and Kazuki.

Mike made his Toyota Racing debut in Austin in 2014. It was September 20th, and I still remember the rain coming down like I’d rarely seen before. FIAWEC

An incredible competitor.

Sometimes quiet, often away from the spotlight, but absolutely relentless whenever it was time to dig deep and fight.

And how could I not mention his kindness, his humour and his simplicity?

That ability to always remain himself, whatever the circumstances, in a world where that isn’t always as easy as people might think.

I know Le Mans broke his heart more than once.

That’s why I am so happy that, after 2021, he was able to put his name on that famous winners’ list once again.

Thank you, Mike.

Thank you for the emotions, the victories, the tough times, the laughs and for all those precious moments that nobody ever photographed.

The ones that are probably the most precious of all.

Enjoy the next chapter, mate!

But before that…

bring home another Drivers’ World Championship title!