Lewis Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes was a shadow of his illustrious past, as the seven-time world champion appeared to struggle for motivation after announcing his blockbuster switch to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The decision, unveiled before the 2024 campaign even began, stunned the motorsport world. However, it might have also marked the beginning of a downward spiral in his Mercedes tenure.
“Checked Out Before the First Race?”
Hamilton, now 40, faced a season fraught with frustration. His performance in qualifying sessions lacked its usual spark, leaving him outpaced and perplexed. As tensions mounted, rumors swirled that Hamilton even considered withdrawing from the campaign before its conclusion. According to F1 pundit Ben Hunt, the midseason malaise stemmed from Hamilton’s early announcement of his Ferrari move.
“He’d handed his notice in at the start of the year, and he was serving his notice. He’d kind of checked out,” Hunt explained. “Once you’ve done that, you’re never working at your same capacity.”
For a driver of Hamilton’s caliber, being mentally uninvested can be as damaging as any technical shortcomings. Hunt emphasized that Hamilton’s lackluster season wasn’t due to a loss of skill or passion but rather a sense of disillusionment with Mercedes’ trajectory.
“Mercedes Malaise or Ferrari’s Gain?”
The Briton’s struggles at Mercedes weren’t entirely self-inflicted. Since their dominance in the turbo-hybrid era, Mercedes has failed to produce a car capable of consistently challenging for championships. Hunt suggested this stagnation played a key role in Hamilton’s decision to seek a new challenge.
“I don’t want to say he grew stale, but he certainly got very disillusioned. He needed this change for the motivation,” Hunt said.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari—arguably the most iconic team in motorsport—offers the promise of a rejuvenated career. For Hamilton, Ferrari represents not just a fresh start but also an opportunity to cement his legacy by achieving what so many greats before him have dreamed of: winning in red.
“The Maranello Challenge Awaits”
Hamilton joins a resurgent Scuderia Ferrari that has shown flashes of brilliance under the leadership of Team Principal Fred Vasseur. However, his arrival is sure to spark fireworks within the team as he partners with Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s golden boy and a fierce competitor in his own right.
The intra-team rivalry at Maranello promises to be one of the most exciting storylines of 2025. Both drivers are hungry for success, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Hamilton, proving he can adapt and thrive at Ferrari could solidify his status as the greatest F1 driver of all time.
“A Legacy on the Line”
Hamilton’s dream of conquering Ferrari’s unique challenges is both bold and risky. The transition has already shown its toll, with his underwhelming final season at Mercedes raising questions about whether he can regain his form. Yet, if there’s one thing Hamilton has proven time and again, it’s his ability to rise in the face of adversity.
As the 2025 season looms, all eyes will be on Hamilton’s first race in the iconic red suit. Will the move reignite his passion and produce more championship glory, or will it prove to be a gamble too far? One thing is certain: Hamilton’s Ferrari chapter is poised to be as dramatic and unpredictable as the man himself.
