Lewis Hamilton reveals the brutal way Mercedes made him pay for…..read more
Lewis Hamilton has shared details about a difficult period with his former team, Mercedes, following his shocking decision to leave the Brackley-based squad and join Ferrari in 2025. The seven-time world champion, who spent over a decade with Mercedes, admitted that recent seasons have been challenging and contributed to his decision to move on.
Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari is one of the biggest driver transfers in Formula 1 history. With the Scuderia, he hopes to make history by securing an eighth world championship title, which would surpass Michael Schumacher’s long-standing record. However, before he embarks on this new journey, the British racing icon has reflected on the struggles he endured at Mercedes, revealing that some moments were particularly difficult to bear.
A Legacy of Success with Mercedes
Hamilton’s time with Mercedes has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since joining the team in 2013, he played a pivotal role in their dominance during Formula 1’s turbo-hybrid era. With six championship titles and a record-breaking number of race wins, he became one of the most successful drivers in the sport’s history.
However, after achieving immense success, the last three seasons were far from ideal for Hamilton. Mercedes, once the benchmark team, began to struggle with performance issues following the introduction of new technical regulations in 2022. The team’s inability to produce a car capable of consistently fighting for victories left Hamilton frustrated.
Despite his experience and exceptional driving skills, he could only manage two Grand Prix wins in three years. This stark contrast to his earlier dominance played a major role in his decision to leave.
Struggles in Recent Seasons
Hamilton’s frustration with Mercedes grew as the team fell further behind rivals like Red Bull. After winning his last championship in 2020, he came agonizingly close to an eighth title in 2021, only to lose it in controversial circumstances at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The following years saw Mercedes lose its competitive edge, with the team struggling to adapt to the new ground-effect regulations. In 2022 and 2023, Hamilton found himself battling in the midfield more often than he would have liked, unable to challenge Max Verstappen and Red Bull for the title.
This decline in competitiveness not only impacted Hamilton’s chances of adding to his title tally but also tested his patience and belief in the team’s ability to return to the top.
Hamilton’s Emotional Farewell to Mercedes
Announcing his departure was not an easy decision for Hamilton. Having built strong relationships with the team members over the years, he described the experience as “painful.” The British driver acknowledged that leaving a team where he had shared so many highs and lows was emotionally challenging.
Despite the difficulties, Hamilton remains grateful for his time with Mercedes, recognizing the success they achieved together. However, his desire to fight for wins and championships again ultimately pushed him toward a new challenge.
A Fresh Start at Ferrari
Looking ahead to 2025, Hamilton is focused on his new journey with Ferrari. The Italian outfit, the most iconic team in F1 history, has not won a drivers’ championship since 2007. With Hamilton’s experience and skill, they hope to break that drought and return to the top of the sport.
Joining Ferrari is a dream for many drivers, and for Hamilton, it represents a fresh start and a chance to chase more success. His arrival is expected to bring new energy to the team, as they aim to challenge Red Bull and Mercedes in the coming seasons.
With the 2024 season still underway, Hamilton remains committed to finishing his time with Mercedes on a high note. However, his mind is already looking ahead to the next chapter of his legendary career, where he will don the famous red racing suit and fight for glory with Ferrari.
As the Formula 1 world eagerly anticipates Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari, one thing is certain—his move has set the stage for one of the most exciting seasons in recent history. Will he finally secure that elusive eighth championship with Ferrari? Only time will tell.