Hamilton completes Mercedes agreement but Ferrari debut has been postponed due to…read more
Lewis Hamilton has finalized his agreement with Mercedes, but his highly anticipated move to Ferrari has been delayed due to his final obligations with the Brackley-based team. Hamilton’s last race with Mercedes took place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he showcased his talent by finishing fourth after starting in 16th position. This marked the end of a 12-season partnership, during which Hamilton secured six drivers’ championships and eight constructors’ titles—making it the most successful collaboration between a driver and team in Formula 1 history.
Hamilton will join Ferrari in 2025, aiming to secure a record-breaking eighth world championship before retiring. However, his Ferrari debut will be postponed until the pre-season tests for the 2025 Formula 1 season. As a result, Hamilton will miss the post-season tyre test in Abu Dhabi, where other drivers, including Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon, and Nico Hülkenberg, were getting acquainted with their new teams. Instead, Hamilton fulfilled his final commitments with Mercedes, including a sponsor event in Malaysia.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff explained that the delay in Hamilton’s Ferrari debut was due to Ferrari not requesting an early release from Hamilton’s contract. Wolff revealed that Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, did not ask for Hamilton to leave Mercedes sooner, which caused the postponement of his switch to Ferrari. While other drivers tested for their new teams, Hamilton attended the sponsor event in Kuala Lumpur and expressed his gratitude to Mercedes and its fans via Instagram.
The 2024 season was a challenging one for the 39-year-old Hamilton, and he has expressed his eagerness for a winter break after the demanding year. However, before taking a break, he had to complete his final duties with Mercedes. His departure marks the end of an era for Mercedes, as Hamilton was a key figure in the team’s dominance over the sport. His move to Ferrari signals the start of a new chapter as he looks to add another championship to his impressive career.
Ferrari’s Vasseur will be hoping Hamilton’s experience and skill can help the team challenge for the title again. With Hamilton’s move delayed, all eyes will be on the 2025 season, when he will aim to secure his eighth world title with Ferrari. His switch marks the end of one of the most successful partnerships in F1 history and the start of a new challenge in his storied career.
