Lewis Hamilton is gearing up for a daring switch to Ferrari, stirring a mix of excitement and nerves.
- The renowned driver leaves Mercedes after a fruitful partnership, entering a new era in 2025.
- Hamilton acknowledges the shift as a big challenge, embracing the thrill despite the unknowns.
- The cultural transition from a British team to an Italian team promises a unique experience.
- Racing against his former team, Mercedes, will present an unusual and emotional twist.
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time F1 World Champion, is embarking on a significant career move, leaving behind his long-standing partnership with Mercedes to join Ferrari for the 2025 season. This move marks the end of an era, as Hamilton’s collaboration with Mercedes achieved unprecedented success, turning them into one of the most successful driver-team duos in F1 history. Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari is accompanied by a new three-year deal, offering him both a salary increase and the opportunity to further his Mission 44 initiative and take on an ambassadorship role with Ferrari.
Although Hamilton is eager for the challenges Ferrari brings, he remains respectful towards his current team, Mercedes, dedicating his final season to them. In a recent interview with Sky F1, he shared his feelings of apprehension about navigating through new territory, having spent most of his career powered by Mercedes at both McLaren and the team itself since his 2007 debut. He expressed his excitement about the differences he anticipates: ‘It’s gonna be new. It’s also daunting because it’s new territory, it’s a new experience, and will be a challenge. But, you know, I love challenge.’
Hamilton will face a cultural shift moving from British teams to the passionate atmosphere of an Italian team. He commented on the stark contrast in team dynamics and emotional expressions, noting that the Italians’ passionate nature differs from the more reserved British style he’s accustomed to. ‘If you think about us Brits, we’re very quiet and more calm when you have success, when you have difficult days, everyone’s kind of more chilled out whereas Italians are much more emotional,’ he remarked. Despite having raced in Italy, he acknowledges that working there will be a vastly different experience.
Another layer of complexity to Hamilton’s move is the prospect of racing against Mercedes, the team with which he has become so closely associated. He admitted it would feel strange to compete against the cars he helped develop and race for so long. ‘Naturally, I think everything’s gonna feel alien because I’ve been with Mercedes for so long. So it’ll be really strange!’
As Hamilton continues to be an integral part of Mercedes’s current efforts, he dismissed concerns about being sidelined during the team’s development for the 2025 car. He emphasized his ongoing involvement and desire for the team’s success, even after his departure, noting that the atmosphere hasn’t changed as his departure approaches: ‘I’ve not kept anything from them and they haven’t kept anything from me. I want the team to succeed, even when I’m not here.’
Lewis Hamilton’s forthcoming journey with Ferrari heralds a significant shift in his storied career, promising new challenges and exciting changes.
