Mercedes F1 staff took ‘painful’ revenge on Lewis Hamilton after Ferrari…read more
Lewis Hamilton has opened up about his experience with Mercedes after his decision to switch to Ferrari, revealing that his former team took “painful” revenge on him during a lighthearted paintballing session. This event occurred shortly after Hamilton made the significant announcement in February 2024 that he would be leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season, although he wouldn’t officially move to the Scuderia until the following year. The decision came just before pre-season testing, marking the beginning of Mercedes’ transition to life without their star driver.
Despite the friendly nature of the paintballing event, Hamilton admitted that his teammates did not hold back when targeting him. “They lit me up hard,” Hamilton confessed, laughing at the memory of how painful it was. Even a member of his own team aimed a shot at the seven-time World Champion during the event, highlighting the playful but competitive spirit of the occasion. However, Hamilton clarified that there were no hard feelings, emphasizing that the rivalry was all in good humor.
Reflecting on his time with Mercedes, Hamilton made it clear that there is no animosity between him and the team. “There is no bad blood. Absolutely not,” he stated. The British driver expressed deep fondness for the Silver Arrows, acknowledging their shared success over the years. “We won so many championships together,” Hamilton added. Even as he prepares to leave the team for a new chapter, he remains confident in Mercedes’ future. “They have all the ingredients to win world championships, and they will win more,” he predicted. “I have no doubt.” This optimism underlines his belief in the team’s ongoing potential, even after his departure.
Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari represents a new challenge in his career, especially considering that he has only ever driven with Mercedes-powered engines throughout his F1 career, including his time at McLaren. As he prepares for the 2025 season, Hamilton acknowledges the steep learning curve ahead of him. Ferrari, led by team principal Frederic Vasseur, will present new dynamics and challenges for the seasoned driver, but Hamilton is determined to adapt quickly and make an impact. With 2025 expected to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent F1 history, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari comes at a pivotal moment in his career.
Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes marks the end of an era with the team, but his optimism for both his future with Ferrari and Mercedes’ continued success shows the respect he holds for his past accomplishments while looking forward to new challenges in Formula 1.
