Lewis Hamilton’s Exit from Mercedes Sparks...

Lewis Hamilton’s Exit from Mercedes Sparks….read more

Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes marks the end of an era in Formula 1, raising significant questions about his future and the possibility of a return to McLaren, the team where his F1 career began. After 12 successful years with the Silver Arrows, Hamilton is set to embark on a new chapter with Ferrari, a move that has surprised some but makes sense given his aspirations and the current trajectory of his career.

The 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi marked Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes, closing the door on a relationship that has been nothing short of historic. During his time with the team, Hamilton helped secure 14 world titles across both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, cementing Mercedes as one of the most dominant teams in the history of F1. However, his recent seasons with Mercedes have been far from smooth sailing. Despite his legendary status in the sport, Hamilton has faced mounting challenges, particularly in the 2023 season, where he was consistently outpaced by his teammate, George Russell. Furthermore, the British driver has frequently expressed his frustration with the performance of Mercedes’ car, which has failed to offer the same level of dominance it once did.

At the age of 39, with the goal of securing an elusive eighth world title still very much in his sights, Hamilton is clearly searching for new opportunities. His recent struggles with Mercedes, coupled with the team’s lack of championship-winning speed in recent years, have led many to believe that a change of scenery could be just what Hamilton needs. This speculation has been fueled by his move to Ferrari, a decision that many insiders, including those close to Hamilton, have pointed to as a natural next step in his career.

However, the seven-time world champion’s switch to Ferrari could have looked very different, according to Stephen Lord, a key figure in Hamilton’s career at Mercedes. Lord, who served as the Race Team Co-ordinator and was one of Hamilton’s closest colleagues at the Silver Arrows, shared his thoughts on the matter in a recent interview on the Beyond the Grid podcast. When asked if he was surprised by Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari, Lord expressed no shock, stating that he had long anticipated the move. According to Lord, Hamilton had always harbored a desire to race for Ferrari, a sentiment he had expressed in conversations over the years. However, Lord also revealed that he had initially expected Hamilton to return to McLaren, the team where Hamilton started his F1 career.

Lord explained, “A few years ago, it came up in conversation, and I actually thought he’d be tempted back to McLaren. But I was completely wrong.” This revelation underscores the depth of Hamilton’s relationship with McLaren, which dates back to 2007 when he made his F1 debut with the team. McLaren played a significant role in shaping Hamilton’s early career, and it was with the team that he won his first world championship in 2008. That victory remains McLaren’s most recent Drivers’ Championship title, and Hamilton’s connection to the team has always been strong.

Despite this, Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari suggests a shift in priorities. While McLaren has always been a team close to his heart, the allure of Ferrari, a team with its own rich history and a long-standing ambition to reclaim the championship, likely played a pivotal role in his choice. Many drivers in F1, including Hamilton, have expressed a desire to drive for Ferrari at some point in their careers, and for Hamilton, the timing might finally be right to make that dream a reality.

As Hamilton transitions from Mercedes to Ferrari, the motorsport world will undoubtedly be watching closely. His move represents not just a change of team, but also a shift in his personal ambitions. While McLaren may have been a tempting option, Ferrari presents Hamilton with the opportunity to continue his quest for a record-breaking eighth world title in a new environment. Whether or not this move will prove to be the key to unlocking Hamilton’s next chapter in F1 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2025 season promises to be an exciting and unpredictable one for the British driver.

Ultimately, while McLaren may have been a consideration, Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari seems to align with his longstanding aspirations and the opportunity to compete at the highest level once again. For now, though, it’s clear that after over a decade with Mercedes, Hamilton is ready for a fresh challenge as he pursues new ambitions in the world of Formula 1.