Mercedes Bids Emotional Farewell to Hamilton as Ferrari Deal

Mercedes Bids Emotional Farewell to Hamilton as Ferrari Deal Looms……..read more

Mercedes has paid an emotional tribute to Lewis Hamilton as his iconic partnership with the team comes to an end. Hamilton is set to join Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, marking the conclusion of a highly successful 12-year collaboration. Throughout their partnership, Hamilton helped secure 14 world titles across both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.

Hamilton’s journey with Mercedes began in 2013 when he joined the team in its early stages as a works F1 outfit. At that time, the team was still developing, with Toto Wolff and the legendary Niki Lauda playing crucial roles in bringing Hamilton on board. Lauda, a three-time world champion, had been working as Mercedes’ non-executive chairman since 2012, and was instrumental in filling the gap left by Michael Schumacher’s second retirement.

Over his 12 years with Mercedes, Hamilton achieved remarkable success, winning 84 races and becoming one of the sport’s most decorated drivers. Along the way, he formed close, personal bonds with key figures in the team, including Wolff, Lauda, and his race engineer Peter Bonnington. However, the F1 community was dealt a heavy blow in 2019 when Lauda passed away at the age of 70 following a period of illness. Lauda’s influence on Hamilton was profound, and Hamilton, along with fellow drivers such as Sebastian Vettel, paid tribute by wearing special helmets during the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix.

In honor of Lauda’s legacy, Mercedes shared a heartfelt post on social media, featuring images of Hamilton from the start of his career with the team, as well as a poignant picture of him at his last race with Mercedes. In that moment, Hamilton touched Lauda’s iconic red cap, which had been proudly displayed in the Mercedes garage. The tribute read, “From the very start of Lewis’ journey at Mercedes, to the very end, Niki is always with us.”

Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari will mark the end of a golden era for Mercedes, but his legacy within the team and the wider F1 community remains secure. His achievements with Mercedes have left an indelible mark on the sport, and his connection with Lauda will continue to be remembered as one of the most influential partnerships in Formula 1 history.