Hamilton's Departure from Mercedes and the McLaren Bombshell.

Hamilton’s Departure from Mercedes and the McLaren Bombshell…….read more

Lewis Hamilton has officially parted ways with Mercedes, ending a remarkable 12-year partnership that saw him achieve extraordinary success. After a challenging 2024 season, which was his toughest yet, Hamilton is set to embark on a new journey in Formula 1, with a potential future at Ferrari.

Hamilton’s departure marks the end of one of the most successful eras in Formula 1 history. Over the years, Hamilton helped Mercedes secure 14 titles in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, solidifying the Silver Arrows’ dominance in the sport. However, despite his incredible achievements with the team, 2024 proved to be a tough year for Hamilton. He was often outpaced by his teammate George Russell, and he voiced frustrations with the performance of the Mercedes car, which failed to provide the speed necessary to challenge for the championship.

As a result, the prospect of Hamilton securing a historic eighth world title with Mercedes seemed increasingly distant. With that goal still firmly in his sights, Hamilton is now set to move to a new challenge, and many believe that a switch to Ferrari might provide him with the opportunity he seeks to finally claim that elusive eighth championship.

The news of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been met with mixed reactions, but an interesting claim has emerged about how his departure from Mercedes could have unfolded differently. Stephen Lord, a close colleague of Hamilton’s and the Race Team Coordinator at Mercedes, revealed in a recent interview on the Beyond the Grid podcast that he had expected the British driver to return to McLaren rather than move to Ferrari.

Lord shared that during a conversation years ago, Hamilton had expressed a desire to eventually return to McLaren, the team where his F1 career began. Hamilton made his debut with McLaren in 2007 and won his first world championship with the team in 2008, which remains their most recent drivers’ title. This strong connection between Hamilton and McLaren led many, including Lord, to believe that he might return to the Woking-based team as his career progressed. However, Hamilton’s eventual decision to join Ferrari surprised Lord, who had initially expected him to make a McLaren comeback.

Lord explained that Hamilton had always admired Ferrari, and many drivers, he noted, have a natural inclination to race for the iconic Italian team at some point in their careers. This sentiment, combined with Hamilton’s respect for Ferrari’s legacy and its long-standing place in Formula 1, may have influenced his decision to make the switch.

McLaren has played a significant role in Hamilton’s career, not only giving him his start but also nurturing his talents in his early years in Formula 1. Despite the years that have passed since his time with McLaren, the connection between the team and Hamilton remains strong, and the possibility of a return to the team was always a subject of speculation.

However, as Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes and heads toward a new chapter with Ferrari, many are left wondering what could have been if he had indeed returned to McLaren. For now, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari signals an exciting new chapter in his illustrious career, with the goal of achieving that coveted eighth world title still firmly in his sights.