In a monumental shift that has sent shockwaves through the world of Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton has officially become a Ferrari driver. This momentous change marks the end of an era with Mercedes and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of the sport’s greatest drivers. But how did this surprising move come about, and what led Hamilton to make what he describes as the hardest decision of his career?
The seeds of this dramatic change were planted in February 2024 when Hamilton announced he would be leaving Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season. This news came as a surprise to many, especially considering Hamilton had signed a two-year deal with Mercedes just months earlier, in the summer of 2023. To facilitate the move, Hamilton triggered a break clause in his contract, as reported by Racing News 365.
In an interview with F1.com, Hamilton shed light on his decision-making process. “An opportunity came up in the new year, and I decided to take it,” he explained. However, he emphasized that this was not a choice made lightly. Leaving Mercedes, a team that had supported him for 26 years dating back to his early racing days, was a significant decision. “We’ve created history within the sport, and it’s something I take a lot of pride in,” he noted.
Hamilton’s long-standing relationship with Mercedes made his departure all the more poignant. Yet, the allure of Ferrari, with its rich history and iconic status in Formula 1, proved irresistible. Hamilton drew a connection to his childhood hero, Michael Schumacher, expressing the dream that many drivers share. “You see the driver in the red cockpit and you wonder what it would be like to be surrounded by the red,” he remarked.
On Thursday, Lewis Hamilton took to LinkedIn to share his first public statement as a Ferrari driver. “As a Ferrari driver, I could not be more excited for the year ahead,” he wrote. He encouraged anyone considering their next move in 2025 to embrace change, whether switching industries, learning new skills, or taking on new challenges. “Remember, reinvention is powerful,” he emphasized. This call for reinvention resonates beyond his career, encouraging individuals in all walks of life to embrace change.
Hamilton’s social media updates have added another layer of intrigue to his transition. On Instagram, he changed his profile picture to a childhood photo of himself wearing a red helmet while karting. The color red has been synonymous with Ferrari for decades, and this choice not only acknowledges his new team but also hints at a long-held dream coming to fruition. The use of a childhood photo suggests that joining Ferrari has been an aspiration Hamilton has held since his earliest days in racing.
As Hamilton embarks on this new journey, questions arise about his relationship with Mercedes and how this move will impact his legacy in the sport. To fully appreciate the magnitude of his transition to Ferrari, it’s essential to acknowledge what he is leaving behind. His 12-year partnership with Mercedes has been one of the most successful driver-team combinations in Formula 1 history. During his time with the Silver Arrows, Hamilton secured six of his seven World Championships, dominating the sport for much of the past decade.
A critical aspect of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is his new partnership with Charles Leclerc. The young Monégasque driver has already established himself as one of the most talented drivers of his generation, and now he will be teaming up with one of the greatest of all time. Leclerc expressed excitement about the prospect of working with Hamilton, stating, “When a champion like Lewis joins any team, it brings a lot of motivation.”
With Hamilton’s move to Ferrari now official, attention turns to his preparations for the 2025 season. While the first race is still months away, a lot of work lies ahead before Hamilton can make his debut in the famous red car. One of the first steps will likely be a private test with Ferrari, where he could potentially get his first taste of a Ferrari F1 car in the coming weeks.
Hamilton’s first public appearance as a Ferrari driver is expected to come at the F175 Live season launch event in London on February 18th, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Formula 1 World Championship. Just one day later, Ferrari plans to unveil its 2025 car at its headquarters in Maranello, marking a pivotal moment for Hamilton and the team as they present themselves as a united front.
The final step in Hamilton’s preparation will be preseason testing in Bahrain from February 26 to 28. During these three days, Hamilton will have his first opportunity to drive the 2025 Ferrari in anger, sharing the car with his new teammate, Charles Leclerc. However, he will only have one and a half days in the new car before the first race of the season, presenting a significant challenge even for a driver of Hamilton’s caliber.
As Hamilton starts this new chapter with Ferrari, it’s essential to reflect on his incredible career achievements. With seven World Championships, he is tied with Michael Schumacher for the most titles in Formula 1 history. He also holds the record for the most race wins and pole positions. However, Hamilton’s recent seasons with Mercedes have been challenging, particularly following the controversial 2021 World Championship and difficulties adapting to new regulations in 2022.
Now, with his move to Ferrari, Hamilton has the opportunity to rejuvenate his career. The question on everyone’s mind is whether he can secure a record-breaking eighth World Championship with Ferrari. This prospect is undoubtedly exciting for both Hamilton and Ferrari fans, as the Italian team has not won a driver’s championship since 2007. Bringing in a driver of Hamilton’s caliber demonstrates their commitment to returning to the top of the sport.
As Formula 1 fans eagerly await Hamilton’s 19th season at the wheel, he leaves his supporters with a rallying message: “Here’s to 2025—a year of embracing new opportunities, staying hungry, and driving forward with purpose. Let’s make it one to remember.”
From Ferrari’s perspective, signing Hamilton is a clear statement of intent. The team is investing heavily in its future, with team principal Frederic Vasseur revealing that only 1% of last year’s car parts will carry over to the 2025 model. Vasseur has also defended Hamilton against any doubts about his speed or motivation, citing Hamilton’s impressive performance in the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
As Hamilton prepares for this new chapter, the stage is set for what could be a thrilling 2025 season. The combined efforts of Hamilton and Ferrari signal a new era in Formula 1, filled with potential and excitement for fans around the world.
