“Hamilton Shakes F1: Leaving Mercedes for Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has created a seismic shift in the sport by signaling his departure from Mercedes and a potential move to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season. His tenure at Mercedes, starting controversially in 2013 after leaving McLaren, has been marked by significant success, clinching six World Driver Championships….
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has created a seismic shift in the sport by signaling his departure from Mercedes and a potential move to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season. His tenure at Mercedes, starting controversially in 2013 after leaving McLaren, has been marked by significant success, clinching six World Driver Championships.
Despite his illustrious career, Hamilton has faced challenges, notably losing the championship title since 2020 to Max Verstappen. The Dutch sensation has emerged as the dominant force, particularly after their contentious encounter at Abu Dhabi in 2021.
Mercedes, once the powerhouse, faced a setback in 2022 due to regulatory changes, falling behind Red Bull and being surpassed by Ferrari in the constructor standings. Ferrari’s progress, highlighted by Carlos Sainz’s victory in Singapore, has been fueled by impressive car development.
Interestingly, despite Sainz’s triumph, it appears he might be the one making way for Hamilton at Scuderia Ferrari. Charles Leclerc, the team’s golden boy, secured a long-term deal, solidifying his position within the team.
This isn’t the first time Ferrari has pursued Hamilton. In the previous season, they aimed to secure the 39-year-old’s services but were unsuccessful despite offering an enticing £40 million deal. Hamilton opted for a contract extension with Mercedes, maintaining a £50 million per year deal, aligning with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Reports suggest that discussions between Hamilton and Ferrari’s president, John Elkann, have been ongoing for over a year. The negotiations might have necessitated a significant increase in Ferrari’s offer to entice Hamilton away from Mercedes, where he recently extended his contract in August 2023.
Reflecting on his Mercedes extension, Hamilton stated, “We dream every day of being the best and have dedicated the past decade together to achieving that goal.” The potential move to Ferrari adds an intriguing chapter to Hamilton’s remarkable F1 journey.
