Seven-time Formula One world champion, Lewis Hamilton, has candidly disclosed that he had mentally ruled out the possibility of ever stepping into the cockpit for Ferrari, several years prior to what can only be termed as an unexpected career twist. The globally celebrated British driver is currently on a quest for an unprecedented eighth world championship title, but this time, he’s doing so under the banner of the sport’s most iconic and successful team, Ferrari.
Hamilton has been a key part of the Mercedes team for over a decade, but the year 2025 sees him transitioning to Ferrari, a move that has sent ripples through the world of Formula One. The British legend offered insights into the decision-making process that led to this surprising turn in his career.
It’s no secret that Hamilton’s loss in the 2021 World Championship sparked rumors about his possible exit from the sport, largely due to the controversial circumstances surrounding the final race in Abu Dhabi. However, Hamilton was far from done. He reinforced his commitment to Mercedes by signing a two-year extension, and later went on to ink another two-year extension in the summer of 2023.
Unfortunately, these years did not yield the desired results for Hamilton and Mercedes. The team was unable to deliver a consistent performance, failing to construct a car that could pose a real challenge for the world championship. The shift to ground-effect brought an end to the team’s reign of domination.
It was amidst these circumstances that Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur, who was privy to a clause in Hamilton’s contract allowing him to leave Mercedes after one year into his extension, approached the British driver with an offer to join Ferrari. The proposal had a profound impact on Hamilton.
“I remember getting off the phone and, like, almost shaking,” Hamilton shared in an in-depth pre-season interview with Time Magazine. The recollection of this moment still sends a shiver down his spine.
Being well into his 40s, an age considered to be the twilight of a career in modern-era Formula One, Hamilton had already resigned to the fact that he may never drive for Ferrari. He was at peace with it, he revealed.
A conversation with a close friend following the call from Vasseur saw Hamilton grappling with the gravity of the offer, while still reeling from his recent contract extension with Mercedes. Despite his long-standing, intimate association with Mercedes, the magnitude of the offer demanded a swift decision.
“It was a lot to take in, and my emotions were really high,” Hamilton admitted. He had to retreat and take a walk to process the situation, finally coming to the conclusion that moving to Ferrari was the right choice for him.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was handled with the utmost professionalism by both parties. The British driver insisted that there was no animosity between him and his former team. He firmly believes that Mercedes will continue to win world championships, given their potential.
Hamilton’s candid conversation with Carlos Sainz, his potential replacement at Mercedes, was featured in Netflix’s new season of ‘Drive to Survive’. In the conversation, Hamilton expressed his belief in Mercedes’ unflagging potential.
Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari secures his place with the Maranello-based team well into his mid-40s. While some may view this as a sign of his nearing retirement, Hamilton begs to differ. He dismissed any thoughts of retirement and hinted he might stay in the sport until he hits the big 5-0. After all, retirement is nowhere on his radar. He remains as passionate about the sport as ever, and the world of Formula One can certainly look forward to more thrilling chapters in the story of Lewis Hamilton.