F1 NEWS TODAY: Mercedes F1 Shuts Down Briefly After Hamilton

Mercedes F1 Shuts Down Briefly After Hamilton’s Shock Ferrari Move

A surprising “shutdown” at Mercedes Formula 1 occurred after Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected announcement of his move to Ferrari. Hamilton, who revealed his decision to leave Mercedes at the start of the previous year, still completed the season with his long-time team before the move. During that season, he broke his winless streak with victories at the British and Belgian Grands Prix but ultimately endured his worst championship finish, ending seventh in the drivers’ standings. Despite this, Hamilton’s Mercedes career remains historic, spanning 12 years with 84 race wins, six drivers’ titles, and contributing to eight constructors’ championships.

The announcement of Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season and beyond sent shockwaves through the F1 world. The move was particularly unexpected because Hamilton had recently signed a contract extension with Mercedes that was set to keep him with the team until at least the end of 2025. However, it’s now evident that exit clauses were included in that agreement, paving the way for his departure.

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff admitted that while he became aware of the likelihood of Hamilton’s departure a few days before the public announcement, he was still taken aback by the news, as were many within the team. The ripple effects of the announcement were revealed by Matt Whyman, who spent a year working with Mercedes F1 while writing his book, Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane.

Speaking on The Fast and the Curious podcast, Whyman shared how the team reacted internally when Hamilton’s decision became public knowledge. “I was as shocked as everyone in the team. It was the last thing I expected to hear,” he explained. Whyman described how the team immediately went into a 24-hour shutdown to process the news.

This temporary pause in operations was reportedly a strategic decision to manage their outward communication and to prioritize informing everyone within the organization. The brief halt allowed the team to regroup, assess their next steps, and provide clarity to employees amidst the uncertainty caused by Hamilton’s departure.

Shortly after the shutdown, the team gathered for a shakedown at Silverstone, which marked the first significant event following the announcement. According to Whyman, the atmosphere was initially tense, with Hamilton’s absence noticeable as team members arrived before him. The tension eased, however, as soon as Hamilton appeared with his entourage, including his mother.

Whyman noted that Hamilton’s demeanor remained unchanged, which helped dispel the unease within the team. “As soon as Lewis showed up, he was just the same as ever,” he said. “In that moment, the attention just sort of dissipated really quickly, and it was business as usual.”

Hamilton’s departure marks the end of an era for Mercedes, where he cemented his legacy as one of F1’s all-time greats. While the team faces the challenge of adjusting to life without their star driver, Hamilton now embarks on a new chapter with Ferrari, a move that has undoubtedly reshaped the dynamics of Formula 1 heading into the 2025 season.