Lewis Hamilton’s recent transition from Mercedes to Ferrari has been a monumental shift in the Formula 1 landscape. On January 20, 2025, Hamilton was officially unveiled as a Ferrari driver, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career. The announcement was accompanied by a series of iconic photographs, including Hamilton standing beside Enzo Ferrari’s historic residence and the legendary Ferrari F40, which the team noted as “Lewis’ favourite supercar.”
Reflecting on this significant moment, Hamilton expressed, “There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days.” He added, “I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to realise that dream today.”
Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, shared his sentiments on Hamilton’s departure. Drawing an analogy, Wolff remarked, “It’s a little bit like you divorce amicably, and it’s all good, and then you see your partner for the first time with a new friend!” He continued, “But I’m really happy for him, and I told him that those pictures were iconic that he made – it was so well curated and no surprise with Lewis.”
Hamilton’s tenure with Mercedes is nothing short of legendary. Joining the team in 2013, he secured six World Championships, contributing to Mercedes’ dominance in the sport. His partnership with the team led to numerous records, including the most championship points in F1 history, with a staggering 4,862.5 points.
The move to Ferrari is seen as a culmination of a long-held aspiration for Hamilton. He has often spoken about the allure of driving for the Scuderia, a team steeped in history and prestige. This transition not only fulfills a personal dream but also sets the stage for a thrilling new chapter in Formula 1.
However, the start of Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari faced a minor hiccup. During a preseason testing session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, he experienced a minor crash. Reports indicated that while the incident caused significant damage to the car’s suspension and aerodynamic components, Hamilton emerged unscathed. The mishap led to delays in teammate Charles Leclerc’s testing schedule.
As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, anticipation is building. Hamilton’s partnership with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari is expected to be a formidable combination. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this collaboration will unfold on the track.
Reflecting on his time with Mercedes, Hamilton’s legacy is firmly cemented. His 12-year tenure with the team is marked by unparalleled success, including multiple World Championships and a significant cultural impact on the sport. As he embarks on this new journey with Ferrari, the motorsport world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the next chapter in the career of one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers.