A Historic Chapter Ends as Hamilton Eyes Ferrari’s Prancing Horse for His Final Act
Formula 1 fans, brace yourselves: Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s most decorated driver, will leave Mercedes at the end of 2024 and join Ferrari in 2025. The seven-time world champion, synonymous with Mercedes’ dominance over the past decade, has activated a break clause in his contract, paving the way for what promises to be a seismic shift in the F1 landscape.
This weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will mark Hamilton’s last appearance for Mercedes, ending a glittering partnership that has delivered seven Drivers’ Championships and 105 race victories since 2013.
Why Leave? The Unfolding Drama Behind the Scenes
Hamilton’s exit stems from a divergence in long-term plans between the Briton and Mercedes. Despite extending his contract with a one-plus-one deal in September, Hamilton sought a multi-year commitment that Mercedes was unwilling to grant. Ferrari capitalized on the uncertainty, offering Hamilton a long-term deal and the chance to conclude his illustrious career with the Scuderia.
“It was a brave and bold decision, but you can totally understand why he’s done it,” said Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ Trackside Engineering Director, in a statement to the BBC. “He wanted to drive for more years than we were prepared to commit to. He also wanted a new challenge with Ferrari, which is iconic in its own right.”
Ferrari Beckons: A New Chapter for Hamilton
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is a deeply symbolic one. The team is the most storied in Formula 1, and joining the Scuderia allows Hamilton to chase his elusive eighth championship with a brand that carries unmatched prestige. It’s also an opportunity for the 38-year-old to leave the sport on his own terms, as he pursues both racing glory and his wider goals for diversity and inclusivity in motorsport.
“He has more he wants to do, and it’s far easier for him to do that from the driving seat,” Shovlin added. “He has such a prominent voice globally, and Ferrari offers him another platform for that.”
A Rocky End to an Otherwise Glorious Partnership
Hamilton’s split from Mercedes comes amid the team’s struggles to adapt to F1’s new era of ground-effect cars introduced in 2022. The unpredictable handling of the Mercedes W15, in particular, has been a thorn in Hamilton’s side.
“You could argue that Lewis was head and shoulders the best under the previous regulations,” Shovlin explained. “But these cars require a stiffer setup, they run lower, and they’re banging into the ground more. That’s not the style Lewis excelled in.”
Despite these challenges, Hamilton celebrated a momentous victory this season at Silverstone, breaking a prolonged win drought. “It was just lovely to see him back on the top step, especially at Silverstone,” Shovlin reflected. “Moments like that remind you why this sport is so addictive.”
What This Means for Ferrari—and F1
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari will undoubtedly elevate the team’s profile and competitiveness. The Scuderia has faced criticism in recent years for underdelivering despite flashes of brilliance, but Hamilton’s experience and relentless pursuit of perfection could be the catalyst it needs to return to championship-winning form.
For Formula 1, this move promises to shake up the paddock, reignite rivalries, and create new narratives as Hamilton takes on his final challenge in red. Fans are already speculating about how this decision will affect the driver market, team dynamics, and the battle for supremacy in the seasons to come.
The Legacy of Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes
As Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes, the team reflects on a partnership that defined an era. From his first title with the Silver Arrows in 2014 to his record-breaking wins, Hamilton’s time with Mercedes is one of the most successful in F1 history.
“Ultimately, you do it for those memories,” Shovlin said. “Moments like Silverstone, moments of triumph—they’re why the sport is so enjoyable. And Lewis has given us so many of those.”
Looking Ahead to Abu Dhabi and Beyond
As the curtain falls on Hamilton’s time with Mercedes, all eyes turn to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It’s the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, as Hamilton prepares to trade silver for scarlet in a bid to cement his legacy as the greatest driver of all time.
