After 12 years and 6 world titles, one of the greatest driver-team partnerships in Formula One (F1) history comes to an end. The initial news of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari did not necessarily come as a shock, because rumours have been in circulation about a potential move since 2021.
Sir Lewis Hamilton joined the Mercedes F1 team in 2013 and has won 6 out of his 7 World championships with them. However, the Mercedes F1 team did not seem like it could deliver him an 8th World Championship. Ever since Hamilton lost the 2020/2021 World championship, he hasn’t had a shot at another title. Some would say that the numerous mechanical issues plaguing the Mercedes cars in recent years influenced Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari. The CEO of the Mercedes F1 team, Toto Wolff, confirmed this when he said over the radio, ‘If we can’t win, you should win’. Toto Wolff was referring to the fall from glory Mercedes experienced in the last few years. Nonetheless, the partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes was a great one that produced 6 championship titles.
Out With The Old; In With The New
It truly is the end of an era, but not for Lewis Hamilton’s F1 story. The next chapter is due to begin in 2025 when he moves to Scuderia Ferrari. In joining Ferrari, Hamilton will again link up with Fred Vasseur, the principal for Ferrari’s F1 team. The pair previously worked together during Hamilton’s early days in racing and have remained in contact ever since. Hamilton acknowledged that his relationship with Vasseur played an important role in enabling the move to happen.
Ferrari has always been a force to reckon with, when it comes to motorsports and Formula one is no exception. The 2000’s did not see much of Ferrari’s dominance, as Ferrari’s last victory was in 2007 with Kimi Räikkönen behind the wheel. However, the 1900’s were Ferrari dominated, especially with experienced and daring drivers like Niki Lauda racing for Ferrari. It is noteworthy that Ferrari holds the record for the most Grand Prix victories, having won 245 times. In recent times, Ferrari has been performing quite well. The 2023/2024 season saw great highlights from Charles Leclerc racing for Ferrari. One can only wonder the damage Lewis Hamilton will do with his years of experience and unmatched skills.
Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari; ‘Yea’ or ‘Nay’
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari feels like a ‘deja vu’ moment and you would be right to think so. Hamilton started off his career in the McLaren F1 team and he won his first ever championship with them in 2008. It was at this time that Hamilton decided to make a move to Mercedes and a lot of people including his father were not in support of his decision, because Mercedes was not winning as much then. Former host of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson, referred to Hamilton’s move in a 2012 episode of the show, when he said, ‘Is that not a bit like moving from Manchester United to West Ham?’
History proves that Hamilton did make the right choice back then. In my opinion, Hamilton has once again made the right choice moving to Ferrari. I can certainly feel the 8th World Championship coming his way with Scuderia Ferrari. We can only wait for history to unfold, hopefully with Hamilton the victor. What are your thoughts about Hamilton’s move to Ferrari?
