Few events in Formula One have caused as much excitement as Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari. The February announcement sent shockwaves through motorsport, ending a legendary partnership.
Hamilton firmly denied any regret about his move to Ferrari, especially after his recent win at the Spanish Grand Prix. “No, not at all,” he said when asked about second thoughts. This comes at a time when Mercedes seems to be gaining strength on the track.
Adding to the drama, Paddy Lowe warned of the inevitable tension that Hamilton’s arrival would bring to Ferrari. Lowe, who has worked with Hamilton at both McLaren and Mercedes, said, “When you have a driver of Lewis’ calibre, it brings a psychological boost but also immense pressure.”
Hamilton’s historical success with Mercedes is nothing short of remarkable. Joining in 2013, he won six of his seven Drivers’ Championships with the team. His stats are staggering: 150 podium finishes and 83 wins with Mercedes are just a part of his legacy. His last victory came at the British Grand Prix, adding another milestone to his illustrious career.
Ferrari, however, has had a rough patch lately. A double zero in Canada and missed podiums in Spain highlight their recent struggles. Meanwhile, Mercedes driver George Russell took pole in Montreal, signaling a resurgence. Hamilton remains optimistic about Ferrari’s progress, noting their Monaco win as proof of potential.
Despite tensions, Hamilton’s confidence in Ferrari is unwavering. Lowe pointed out how Ferrari employees would feel the need to rise to the challenge of working with one of the greatest drivers of all time. Yet, this also brings added pressure, especially as Ferrari hasn’t won a team title since 2008.
Questions about Hamilton’s loyalty to Mercedes naturally arose. He assured fans of his dedication, saying he loves Mercedes and will always be a supporter. While still deeply involved in developing the current Mercedes car, he acknowledged he might miss some meetings as his transition to Ferrari nears.
Hamilton is already in talks with Ferrari boss John Elkann, though their discussions remain focused on non-racing matters. “We only talk about fashion and things we want to do together,” he said, making it clear that racing discussions will wait until his contract with Mercedes ends.
The true impact of Hamilton joining Ferrari will be seen after the season. Lowe’s concerns about increased tension highlight the pressure Ferrari faces. Hamilton, alongside Charles Leclerc, carries big hopes for future titles, especially with the 2026 rule changes on the horizon.
Whether this move is a victory lap or a setback for Hamilton is yet to be seen. For now, he aims to end his time with Mercedes on a high note while gearing up for an exciting new chapter with Ferrari. The anticipation and excitement are palpable, setting the stage for what could be a transformative period in Formula One.
The excitement around Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is undeniable. As the current season unfolds, all eyes will be on Hamilton to see if this bold decision will pay off. One thing is certain: the next chapter in his career will be one to watch.
