In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has transitioned from Mercedes to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season. This decision marks the end of Hamilton’s 12-year tenure with Mercedes, during which he secured six of his seven titles. His move to Ferrari is not only a significant shift in the F1 landscape but also a personal milestone, as Hamilton has often expressed a desire to drive for the iconic Italian team.
Lewis Hamilton’s Decision to Move
Hamilton’s choice to join Ferrari was driven by a combination of instinct and the pursuit of new challenges. He described the move as a “total leap of faith” guided by a “gut feeling.” In an interview, Hamilton stated, “Ultimately, every new opportunity is a total leap of faith. None of us can predict the future, so changing jobs, or in my case teams, is always going to come with some level of risk.” He emphasized the importance of embracing change to avoid complacency and expressed confidence in achieving great things with Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Contract Details and Estimated Earnings
Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari is reported to be one of the most lucrative in Formula 1 history. While exact figures have not been officially disclosed, various sources provide insights into the financial aspects of the deal. According to reports, Hamilton has signed a two-year contract with Ferrari, valued at approximately £100 million. This equates to £50 million per year, surpassing his previous earnings with Mercedes.
Other estimates suggest that Hamilton’s deal with Ferrari could be worth up to $400 million, though it’s unclear over what duration this figure spans.
Forbes estimated Hamilton’s earnings at Mercedes to be around $55 million in 2024, indicating a substantial increase in his remuneration with Ferrari.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is expected to have significant financial implications beyond his salary. His immense popularity and global following are anticipated to attract new sponsors and boost merchandise sales for Ferrari. This is evidenced by the overwhelming response to his unveiling at Ferrari’s Maranello base, where an Instagram post featuring Hamilton garnered 5.4 million likes, making it the most-liked F1 post ever. Sponsorlytix, a sports data analytics company, estimated that the combined brand value of sponsors featured on Hamilton’s race suit in the photo was $400,000, with companies like HP and Shell seeing substantial value.
Integration into the Ferrari Team
Upon joining Ferrari, Hamilton has been actively integrating into the team. He spent time at the Maranello headquarters, meeting with team members and driving the simulator. Hamilton also completed his first laps in a Ferrari F1 car at the Fiorano circuit, covering 30 laps in the SF-23 during a ‘wake-up’ test. He expressed his excitement, stating, “There are so many incredible people in the team that I can’t wait to work with, and I have total faith that we’ll achieve great things together.”
Reunion with Angela Cullen
In a move that has delighted fans, Hamilton is set to reunite with his former physiotherapist and confidante, Angela Cullen, at Ferrari. Cullen, who worked with Hamilton during his time at Mercedes, played a crucial role in his success, contributing to four of his six titles with the team. Her return is expected to provide Hamilton with familiar support as he embarks on this new chapter with Ferrari.