The end of 2024 marked a seismic shift in Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton, the driver who defined Mercedes’ dominant era and claimed six of his seven world titles with the Silver Arrows, departed the team for Ferrari. It was a decision steeped in frustration, ambition, and the allure of rekindling Ferrari’s long-dormant glory.
For Mercedes, Hamilton’s departure is a bitter pill to swallow. Team Principal Toto Wolff didn’t mince words, admitting that Mercedes failed their superstar driver in the new regulatory era. “We didn’t manage to give Lewis the car he needed to win,” Wolff told Auto Motor und Sport. “We simply couldn’t provide consistent performance, downforce, or handling.”
The Decline of a Dynasty
Mercedes’ slump began with the 2022 technical regulation overhaul, which ended the team’s near-total dominance of the hybrid era. The once-invincible Silver Arrows found themselves battling unpredictable handling, tyre degradation, and a deficit to Red Bull, McLaren, and, eventually, Ferrari.
Hamilton’s results told the story of Mercedes’ decline. From 2022 to 2024, the Brit managed only two victories—a stark contrast to his golden years, where double-digit win tallies were the norm. Last season was particularly harrowing: Hamilton finished seventh in the Drivers’ Championship, his lowest position since debuting with McLaren in 2007.
The Russell Factor
The rise of George Russell further complicated Hamilton’s final chapter at Mercedes. The younger Brit consistently outperformed his illustrious teammate in qualifying, winning their head-to-head battle 19–5 in 2024. Particularly after the summer break, Russell established himself as Mercedes’ leading man.
Wolff attributed Hamilton’s struggles to his aggressive driving style, which clashed with the characteristics of the new generation of Formula 1 cars. “Lewis brakes late and hits the car aggressively into corners,” Wolff explained. “This generation of cars doesn’t suit that approach. Sometimes it’s better to drive at 98 percent, and that’s more noticeable in qualifying.”
Despite speculation that Mercedes might have favored Russell, Wolff and Technical Director James Allison both dismissed claims of unequal treatment. “The cars were identical. Any differences in setup were by choice of the individual teams,” said Allison. Wolff echoed the sentiment: “Lewis is too professional to give up or to accept anything less than equality.”
Hamilton’s Ferrari Gamble
At 40 years old, Hamilton begins a new chapter with Ferrari, the most storied team in Formula 1 history. His move to Maranello comes with the promise of a more competitive car, as Ferrari narrowly missed out on the Constructors’ title in 2024. Team boss Fred Vasseur believes Hamilton’s experience and relentless drive will complement Charles Leclerc’s raw speed, forming a pairing capable of taking on Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s resurgent duo.
Hamilton, for his part, is determined to prove his doubters wrong. “This is about legacy,” he said during Ferrari’s launch event for the 2025 season. “Ferrari represents passion, history, and the dream of every driver. I’m here to finish my career on a high.”
The Weight of History
The pressure on Hamilton and Ferrari is immense. The Scuderia has not won a Drivers’ Championship since Kimi Räikkönen in 2007, and its last Constructors’ title came in 2008. For Hamilton, this is not just a career swansong but an opportunity to claim the elusive eighth world title and cement his place as the undisputed greatest of all time.
But the challenge is steep. Red Bull, led by Verstappen, remains a juggernaut, and McLaren is closing the gap. Ferrari, despite its 2024 improvements, still needs to find those crucial final tenths to compete consistently at the front.
Toto Wolff’s Final Word
Wolff, reflecting on Hamilton’s departure, was candid: “We’ll miss him, of course. Lewis has been more than a driver—he’s been the heartbeat of this team. But Formula 1 is about moving forward, and we respect his decision to pursue this new challenge.”
The Stakes for 2025
As the 2025 season looms, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Ferrari. Can the Briton revive the Scuderia’s championship-winning pedigree, or will this chapter be another “what if” in Ferrari’s recent history? For Hamilton, the stakes couldn’t be higher: this is about redemption, legacy, and proving that even in the twilight of his career, he remains a force to be reckoned with.
