Mercedes chief explains what he found most ‘surprising’ about Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari

Mercedes chief explains what he found most ‘surprising’ about Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari

Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari: Mercedes Reflects on the Surprising Decision

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has become one of the most talked-about stories in Formula 1 this year.

For years, such a switch seemed unimaginable given Hamilton’s dominance with Mercedes, a partnership that yielded six Drivers’ Championships and seven Constructors’ titles between 2013 and 2024.

However, after over a decade of collaboration, Hamilton decided to activate a contract clause and depart Mercedes, choosing Ferrari as the next and likely final chapter of his illustrious career.

Timing of the Decision

Hamilton’s decision was announced early in 2024, well ahead of the 2025 season when he is set to join Ferrari.

This announcement came as a surprise to many, including Mercedes’ leadership. Bradley Lord, the team’s chief communications officer, expressed that the timing of the announcement, made during pre-season testing, was particularly unexpected.

Speaking to the German publication Champ1, Lord remarked, “It was surprising because the timing was before we even started this season, before we knew how competitive the car was going to be or not.”

Lord explained that Hamilton’s move stemmed from a new opportunity presented to him late in his career, which had been a point of discussion during contract negotiations last year.

Despite understanding Hamilton’s long-term considerations, Mercedes was caught off guard by his early declaration and the challenges it posed for their current season.

The team had to navigate the remainder of the year knowing their star driver’s time with them was coming to an end.

Risks of the Switch

Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari is widely regarded as a gamble. By committing to Ferrari before the 2024 season began, he took a risk without knowing whether Mercedes could resolve the performance issues that had hindered them in previous seasons.

Lord noted that the pre-season timing left many questioning the wisdom of the decision, especially given Mercedes’ history of bouncing back strongly during development periods.

Midway through the season, there were moments when Hamilton might have reconsidered.

Mercedes appeared to regain its competitive edge, winning three out of four races between the Austrian and Belgian Grands Prix.

George Russell secured victory in Austria after a collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris cleared the way, while Hamilton’s win at his home race in Silverstone gave the team and its fans hope.

A subsequent victory in Belgium further fueled speculation that Mercedes could be back on track.

Challenges and Ferrari’s Promise

However, Mercedes’ resurgence was short-lived. In the second half of the season, their momentum faded, and Hamilton experienced reliability issues that hampered his results.

At the same time, Ferrari improved their performance, emerging as a stronger contender heading into the final stretch of the season.

This shift in fortunes has made Hamilton’s decision to switch teams appear more justified, as Ferrari currently looks better positioned to compete for the championship in 2025.

For Hamilton, the move represents a chance to chase an elusive eighth Drivers’ Championship, which would set him apart as the most successful driver in Formula 1 history.

While the transition to Ferrari is a significant risk, it also symbolizes the next chapter in his career—a high-stakes bid to cement his legacy.

The Road Ahead

As Hamilton prepares to leave Mercedes after a storied career, his final races with the team are likely to be emotional for both parties.

Mercedes has been synonymous with Hamilton’s success, and the relationship has been one of the most fruitful in F1 history.

However, as Bradley Lord acknowledged, Hamilton is looking ahead to new challenges.

Whether his gamble with Ferrari pays off remains to be seen, but it’s clear that his decision has already reshaped the F1 narrative and set the stage for an intriguing 2025 season.

Hamilton’s move marks the end of an era and signals the beginning of a bold new chapter.

For fans and rivals alike, the question now is whether the legendary driver can write a fitting final act to his extraordinary career.