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Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move his ‘PLAN ALL ALONG’, claims Mercedes stalwart
Mercedes race team coordinator Stephen Lord has revealed that Lewis Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season was not a surprise to him, as he believes it aligns with the seven-time World Champion’s long-term career goals.
Hamilton and Ferrari announced their multi-year deal ahead of the 2024 season, marking the end of Hamilton’s 12-year tenure with Mercedes.
Having joined the team in 2013, the British driver achieved incredible success, securing six of his seven titles with Mercedes.
The move to Ferrari, one of F1’s most iconic teams, signals a new chapter in his illustrious career.
Lord, who has worked closely with Hamilton for many years, shared his perspective during an episode of the Beyond the Grid podcast.
He explained that Hamilton had expressed a desire in past conversations to one day race for Ferrari, a dream many F1 drivers hold due to the team’s rich history and legacy.
“I’m not at all surprised by his decision,” Lord said. “We had a conversation years ago, and he mentioned that most drivers want to drive for Ferrari at some point in their careers.
It’s a unique opportunity to be part of such a storied team.”
Lord has been a consistent figure in Hamilton’s career, dating back to their time together at McLaren.
When Hamilton transitioned to Mercedes in 2013, Lord followed suit and became an integral part of the team’s operations.
In 2023, when Hamilton’s longtime physiotherapist Angela Cullen left his team, Lord took on additional responsibilities at Hamilton’s request.
Reflecting on Hamilton’s career, Lord admitted he initially thought the British driver might return to McLaren, the team where he began his F1 journey and won his first World Championship in 2008.
“I always thought there might be a McLaren reunion, but I was completely wrong,” Lord acknowledged.
The allure of Ferrari, however, proved irresistible. As one of the oldest and most prestigious teams in Formula 1, Ferrari has always been a destination for great drivers seeking to cement their legacies.
Lord pointed out that Hamilton’s move follows a trend among legendary drivers, including Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, who also sought glory at Maranello.
“Ferrari holds a unique place in Formula 1,” Lord explained. “They’re the most recognisable team in the sport, with unparalleled history and prestige. It’s not surprising that drivers like Lewis, with such ambition and drive, would want to be part of that.”
Lord’s relationship with Hamilton is now drawing to a close as he prepares to step away from his duties at Mercedes and bids farewell to the team.
Following a tour of Mercedes’ key locations, including their headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Stuttgart, Brackley, and Brixworth, he has officially said his goodbyes.
Despite the end of their working relationship, Lord emphasized the mutual respect and good wishes between himself, Hamilton, and the Mercedes team.
He acknowledged the remarkable achievements they accomplished together and expressed confidence in Hamilton’s ability to succeed with Ferrari.
The move to Ferrari represents a significant turning point in Hamilton’s career.
After more than a decade of success with Mercedes, the switch reflects his desire to take on new challenges and perhaps emulate the feats of past champions who found success with the Scuderia.
For Lord, Hamilton’s move is not just a career change but the fulfillment of a vision discussed long ago.
“This is something he’s wanted for a while,” Lord concluded. “And I think everyone at Mercedes respects that. It’s the start of an exciting new chapter for him.”
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about moves in Formula 1 history.
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if the partnership can bring the World Championship glory that has eluded Ferrari in recent years.