Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula 1 world champion, is saying goodbye to Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season, closing a historic chapter in his career. This weekend, at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Briton will race for the final time with the Silver Arrows, ending a partnership that began in 2013 and forever changed the landscape of F1. His next destination is Ferrari, where he aims to revitalize his career amidst high expectations and challenges.
Despite the successes accumulated over the years, recent seasons have been difficult for Hamilton, who managed just two wins in 2024 following a two-year drought. Reflecting on his departure, the driver acknowledges the ups and downs and admits he no longer feels as quick as in the past. Meanwhile, Mercedes has prepared an emotional tribute at Yas Marina, allowing fans to be part of this historic moment by including their names on the commemorative car Hamilton will drive in his final race.
THE BEGINNING OF A LEGEND
Lewis Hamilton burst onto the Formula 1 scene in 2007 as a McLaren driver, having been supported by the team since his karting days through their young talent program. Making an explosive entry into the pinnacle of motorsport, Hamilton nearly won the championship in his rookie season, losing the title by a narrow margin in the final race. In 2008, however, he realized his dream, becoming the youngest champion at the time by defeating Felipe Massa in a nail-biting finale in Brazil.
During his tenure at McLaren, Hamilton showcased exceptional talent, securing 21 Grand Prix victories over six seasons. However, internal tensions and the team’s inconsistency drove the Briton to seek new horizons, leading to a career-defining decision: his move to Mercedes in 2013.
A GOLDEN ERA
Hamilton’s switch to Mercedes was initially met with skepticism but soon proved to be a masterstroke. In 2014, with the introduction of hybrid engines, Mercedes dominated the championship, and Hamilton clinched his second world title the first of six he would achieve with the German team. Under Toto Wolff’s leadership and with an unrivaled car, Hamilton not only expanded his trophy collection but also shattered historical records, including the most wins, poles, and podiums in F1 history.
However, recent years have been less kind. Since the controversial title decider in 2021, where he lost to Max Verstappen, Mercedes has struggled to remain competitive. In 2024, although Hamilton claimed two victories, the team’s overall performance and his struggles to match teammate George Russell led the Briton to seek a fresh challenge with Ferrari, the cradle of F1 legends.
A NEW CHAPTER
From 2025, Lewis Hamilton will don Ferrari’s iconic red, joining Charles Leclerc in an effort to return the Scuderia to its former glory. This move represents a new opportunity for Hamilton to prove his worth and chase an eighth world title, a feat that would surpass Michael Schumacher’s record. Acknowledging the pressure and expectations surrounding this transition, Hamilton has described the opportunity as a “dream scenario.”
The Briton knows the road ahead will be tough. Ferrari has gone over 15 years without a drivers’ championship, and while they showed signs of improvement in 2024, there is still significant ground to cover. Nevertheless, Hamilton remains optimistic and motivated, likening this leap of faith to his decision to join Mercedes in 2013. In January 2025, the driver will take his first laps in Fiorano, officially embarking on a chapter that could redefine his legacy in motorsport.
