McLaren RETURN bombshell drops as Hamilton officially exits........

McLaren RETURN bombshell drops as Hamilton officially exits……..read more

Lewis Hamilton’s official departure from Mercedes has sparked a major claim regarding his future, particularly about a potential return to McLaren. After 12 seasons with Mercedes, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion is set to embark on a new chapter beginning in 2025, bringing an end to one of the sport’s most successful partnerships. During his time at Mercedes, Hamilton helped secure 14 titles across both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. However, his 2024 season marked his toughest campaign yet, as he often found himself outpaced by teammate George Russell, leading him to express frustration with the performance of his Mercedes car.

The final race of the 2024 season in Abu Dhabi was Hamilton’s last with Mercedes, signifying the conclusion of an era that saw the team dominate the sport for over a decade. Despite his success, Hamilton has made it clear that he’s in search of a fresh challenge, as he aims for an elusive eighth world title. The shift from Mercedes to Ferrari has been a widely discussed topic, with many speculating about Hamilton’s potential interest in the Scuderia given their historic significance in F1.

However, an intriguing claim has surfaced from a close source within Mercedes, suggesting that Hamilton’s future could have unfolded differently. Stephen Lord, who serves as Race Team Co-ordinator and is one of Hamilton’s closest colleagues at Mercedes, expressed surprise that Hamilton chose Ferrari instead of returning to McLaren, the team where he began his Formula 1 career. Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Lord shared his thoughts, saying, “I actually thought he’d be tempted back to McLaren, but I was completely wrong.” According to Lord, Hamilton had mentioned in the past that he had always admired Ferrari and had long held the ambition of one day racing for the iconic team.

Hamilton’s history with McLaren runs deep. He joined the team in 2007 and quickly made a name for himself, winning his first-ever F1 race in 2007 and securing his maiden World Championship in 2008. That year marked McLaren’s last drivers’ title, a feat Hamilton would later repeat with Mercedes. McLaren was instrumental in Hamilton’s early career development, and the connection between the two remains strong, as many believed a reunion was always a possibility.

Despite this history, Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari in 2025 surprised many, including Lord. While Hamilton has always held an affinity for McLaren, it appears that Ferrari’s appeal was too strong to resist. As the 39-year-old prepares for a new era in his career, all eyes will be on how he adapts to his new team and whether the move helps him achieve the eighth championship he’s long desired.