Lewis Hamilton’s potential move to Ferrari is stirring debate in the racing world.
- George Russell believes Hamilton would’ve stayed if Mercedes performed like now.
- Hamilton ended a long winless streak with a victory at Silverstone recently.
- There’s optimism at Mercedes about their future performance and development.
- Russell acknowledges Hamilton’s desire for change but questions the timing.
The Formula 1 world was taken aback when Lewis Hamilton announced he would be joining Ferrari starting with the F1 2025 season, leaving his long-time home at Mercedes. This seismic career move comes after Hamilton spent over a decade with the team, winning six of his seven World Championships there. His time at Mercedes was historic, making him the first to surpass 100 grand prix victories and pole positions.
However, this decision to switch teams follows two challenging seasons without a win in 2022 and 2023. Mercedes had difficulties adapting to the new F1 ground-effect regulations, yet the team has recently shown signs of strong recovery. Hamilton managed to secure his 104th career win at the British Grand Prix, a remarkable come-back after a 945-day drought since his last victory in 2021 in Saudi Arabia.
George Russell, Hamilton’s current teammate who joined Mercedes in 2022, firmly argues that Hamilton would not have chosen to depart if Mercedes had been in its current form. According to Russell, the team’s recent performances and the promising development of their F1 2026 power unit could have influenced Hamilton to stay. He stated to Reuters that there was “no way he would have left” seeing the current advancements and optimism surrounding the team.
Despite Mercedes’ newfound momentum, Hamilton maintains that his decision to join Ferrari comes without regret. He has consistently affirmed this stance, suggesting that he sees potential in Ferrari that aligns with his ambitions for the coming years. Meanwhile, Russell notes the natural desire for change after being at a team for 12 years, yet he hints that Hamilton’s chance to continue winning might have been more secure if he stayed with Mercedes.
The dynamics of F1 are unpredictable, and as another chapter begins for Hamilton at Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc, the racing community anticipates how this move will unfold. While Ferrari offers a fresh start, the query remains whether it will provide the competitive edge Hamilton seeks once again.
Time will tell if Hamilton’s bold move to Ferrari pays off amidst Mercedes’ resurgence.
