Lewis Hamilton has already hinted why he's ditching Mercedes as Brit goes back on his word
Lewis Hamilton will make a sensational switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season.
The reasons behind Lewis Hamilton’s sensational switch from Mercedes to Ferrari were seemingly outlined last March. On Friday, the seven-time world champion left F1 fans stunned when he confirmed he would be joining the Scuderia for the 2025 season, following what will be his 12th and final season under Toto Wolff and co.
Following the news, Hamilton released a statement where he lauded his time with the Silver Arrows, having won six of his seven world crowns with the team since joining in 2013. “I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together,” he said.
“Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13-years-old. It’s a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.”
However, the announcement is still considered a shock given the 38-year-old had previously signalled his intentions to remain with Mercedes for the remainder of his career. But last March, after a harrowing first campaign with the team in the new era of F1 rules and regulations, he hinted at walking away if he felt the team dynamic was no longer working.
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“I have got some amazing allies at the team, some great relationships here and, as long as I can continue to help the team, drive the team forward and really contribute then that is why I want to stay,” he told reporters. “If there is ever a point where I feel like I am not able to do that, it is time for a youngster to come in and take my seat. But I still feel pretty young and in pretty decent shape.”
And he also vowed to try and emulate one former legend by finishing up with the British team. “If you look at the legends like Sir Stirling Moss, who was with Mercedes until the end of days, that has been the dream for me, to one day have that,” he added.
Following those comments though, Hamilton split with long-time physio and trainer Angela Cullen. The New Zealander had been widely credited for her influence on the F1 icon’s career, and the change was perceived as a body blow to Hamilton’s hopes of challenging again for an unprecedented eighth world title.
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And the departure of such a key figure has been cited as a factor in his decision to switch to Ferrari. He will drive alongside Charles Leclerc, after Carlos Sainz Jnr confirmed he would be leaving the Italian giants at the end of the year.
Ferrari are currently seeking to end a barren run of 16 years without a drivers’ title. Hamilton has been identified as the figure to help end that drought amid the continued F1 dominance of Red Bull and Max Verstappen.