Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari in 2025 has been a monumental moment in the world of Formula 1. The seven-time world champion recently opened up about the nerve-wracking experience of breaking the news to Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff. Hamilton admitted that telling Wolff he was leaving for Ferrari was a “terrifying” moment.
The surprising announcement that Hamilton had signed a multi-year contract with Ferrari for the 2025 season was made before the 2024 season had even started. This revelation sent shockwaves through the racing world, as many expected Hamilton to retire with Mercedes, the team with which he has achieved remarkable success. Just a year ago, he extended his contract with Mercedes until 2025, making his switch to Ferrari all the more unexpected.
Hamilton’s decision to move to Ferrari was influenced by several factors, including a series of winless seasons following the 2022 rule changes that introduced ground effect cars. While Mercedes had been dominant for several years, the team struggled to adapt to the new regulations, leaving Hamilton without a victory. During this challenging period, Ferrari made their move, and Hamilton activated a break clause in his contract with Mercedes to explore new opportunities with the iconic Italian team.
Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, had been aware of rumors about Hamilton’s potential switch to Ferrari but chose to wait for a direct conversation with the driver. That conversation finally took place over breakfast at Hamilton’s home. Hamilton, who had been part of the Mercedes works team since 2013, described it as one of the most nerve-wracking moments of his career. Reflecting on the moment, he said, “It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions from the moment I signed the contract — telling my boss, that was terrifying.”
One of the key reasons Hamilton cited for his decision to join Ferrari was his admiration for Michael Schumacher, who won five world championships with the team in the early 2000s. Hamilton recalled watching Schumacher’s dominance with Ferrari and feeling a sense of wonder about what it would be like to drive for the legendary team. “Every driver watches that car, and you’re like, ‘What would it be like to sit in the red cockpit?’” Hamilton said, explaining his long-held curiosity about Ferrari.
As Hamilton prepares to make his move to Ferrari, he is determined to end his Mercedes career on a high note. After enduring a 945-day winless streak, Hamilton finally tasted victory again with an emotional triumph at his home race, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. He followed that up with another win at the Belgian Grand Prix, bringing his career tally to an astonishing 105 victories in Formula 1. Of those, 84 wins came during his time with Mercedes, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history.
With each race marking one step closer to the end of his time with Mercedes, Hamilton acknowledged that the emotions are running high. When asked at Monza if he felt more emotional as the races counted down, Hamilton responded, “It’s been there all year. Every single race you turn up.” He went on to express his deep connection with the team, saying, “I love my team so much. We have been through a hell of a lot together, so it will be emotional every single race.”
Hamilton’s bond with Mercedes runs deep, and leaving the team will undoubtedly be difficult for him. “Because every race we do is the last time at that particular place,” Hamilton said, reflecting on the reality that each race brings him closer to his final lap in a Mercedes car. “Every race we get closer and closer to the last time I’ll be in that Mercedes,” he added, making it clear that the transition is both bittersweet and significant.
As he looks ahead to his final season with Mercedes, Hamilton is focused on giving his best performance for the team that has been his home for over a decade. “It’s going to be tough, but my focus is just to do my best job for the team and to finish on a high,” he emphasized.
Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes marks the end of an era, but his move to Ferrari opens a new and exciting chapter in his legendary career. Fans around the world are eager to see how he will fare with the famous Scuderia, and whether he can bring the same level of success to Ferrari that he achieved with Mercedes. One thing is certain: Hamilton’s journey is far from over, and his next challenge promises to be as thrilling as the last.
