Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari ‘very sad’ as Mercedes legend break silence over…read more
The Formula 1 community has been abuzz with the news of Lewis Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 season. This move, marking only the second team change in Hamilton’s illustrious career, has elicited a spectrum of reactions from fans, analysts, and former colleagues. Among them, Norbert Haug, the former Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, has expressed profound surprise and sadness over Hamilton’s decision.
Haug, who played a pivotal role in Hamilton’s early career through Mercedes’ partnership with McLaren, admitted he was “completely blown away” by the news. He remarked, “If I had a bet on one thing, on a combination in Formula 1 that would last for all eternity, it would have been Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes.” The depth of their collaboration made the announcement of Hamilton’s departure particularly unexpected.
Reflecting on Hamilton’s tenure with Mercedes, it’s evident that their partnership was one of the most successful in F1 history. Joining the team in 2013, Hamilton secured six of his seven World Championships and amassed numerous race victories, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greats. This success made his decision to leave even more perplexing to many, including Haug, who described the move as a “mystery.”
The backdrop to this transition includes the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Hamilton narrowly missed clinching his eighth title. Haug alluded to this event, suggesting that the championship was “stolen” from Hamilton, leading to a period he described as a “demolition” for both the driver and the team. This incident might have influenced Hamilton’s perspective on his career trajectory.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is not just a significant shift for the driver but also a monumental change for the teams involved. Mercedes, which has been synonymous with Hamilton’s success over the past decade, now faces the challenge of moving forward without their star driver. George Russell, who partnered with Hamilton in recent seasons, acknowledged the void left by his departure, stating that the team feels “different” without him. Russell emphasized the importance of focusing on future successes and building a new chapter for Mercedes.
On the other hand, Ferrari, the sport’s most iconic team, has welcomed Hamilton with open arms. His arrival has generated immense excitement among the Tifosi (Ferrari fans) and the broader F1 community. Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari was marked by a warm reception, with the driver expressing his enthusiasm about realizing a childhood dream. He documented his experience on social media, sharing his awe and anticipation for the journey ahead.
However, Hamilton’s transition hasn’t been without its challenges. The British driver, renowned as the only Black competitor in F1, has been vocal about issues of diversity and inclusion within the sport. His move to Italy, a country with a history of racial incidents in sports, prompted concerns. Hamilton admitted that the racism faced by Black footballers in Serie A “crossed his mind” before finalizing his decision. Despite these apprehensions, he has received a warm welcome in Maranello, Ferrari’s headquarters, and remains committed to advocating for diversity within the team and the broader community.
The cultural impact of Hamilton’s move extends beyond the racetrack. Known for his activism, fashion endeavors, and influence in popular culture, his association with Ferrari amplifies discussions about diversity and representation in motorsports. His presence in Italy has sparked conversations about creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and promoting inclusivity within the sport.
As the 2025 season approaches, Hamilton has been preparing rigorously for his debut with Ferrari. He has drawn parallels between this transition and his rookie season in 2007 with McLaren, expressing a blend of excitement and determination. Pre-season testing has shown promise, with Hamilton delivering impressive performances, indicating a potentially competitive season ahead.
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari signifies the end of a remarkable era with Mercedes and the beginning of a new chapter with the Scuderia. While figures like Norbert Haug express sadness and surprise over the departure, the broader F1 community watches with anticipation to see how this partnership unfolds. Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari not only holds implications for on-track performances but also for cultural and societal conversations within the sport.
