ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – NOVEMBER 23: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes talks to the media in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 23, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Peter Fox | Getty Images)
Shocking news has shaken the entire Formula 1 community on the first day of February. It was announced that the 7-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, will part ways with Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season to join the most historic team in Formula 1, Ferrari. 2025 will see Carlos Sainz departing from Scuderia after four years and Hamilton partnering up with Charles Leclerc.
At the end of the 2023 season, there were speculations about Hamilton’s future with Mercedes and even in Formula 1. This rumor was initially shut down after Mercedes AMG confirmed Lewis to drive for them in the 2024 upcoming season alongside George Russell. When the news about his move to Ferrari for the 2025 season dropped today, it took everyone by surprise. The star British driver has been driving for the German team for 11 years. He has earned 82 of his 103 wins and 6 of his 7 championships with the team.
According to ESPN, Hamilton said leaving Mercedes “was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.”
“The time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge. I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto [Wolff, Mercedes team principal] for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together,” Hamilton said.
“I am 100% committed to delivering the best performance I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember.”
One of the biggest moves in the history of Formula 1, Hamilton’s decision will undoubtedly affect other drivers, leaving an extremely desirable opening at Mercedes. But, what about the driver at the other end of this shakeup, Carlos Sainz? He has driven for Ferrari alongside Leclerc ever since the 2021 season. In 2023, he was the only non-Red Bull driver to win a Grand Prix. The Spaniard’s best moments with Ferrari include his first win in F1 at Silverstone 2022, his win at Singapore, and an acclaimed podium at Monza in front of the Tifosi.
Sainz made an announcement on Instagram regarding his future,
“Following today’s news, Scuderia Ferrari and myself will part ways at the end of 2024. We still have a long season ahead of us and, like always, I will give my absolute best for the team and for the tifosi all around the world.”
Carlos Sainz (55) salutes the Ferrari fans following his pole position at the Monza Circuit for the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix (Source: Scuderia Ferrari)
After the news dropped about the upcoming vacancy at Mercedes, fans and others in the racing industry immediately began speculating as to who would take Hamilton’s place. Drivers like Mick Schumacher, who is Mercedes’ reserve driver, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Antonelli, and even a possible Sebastian Vettel comeback have been mentioned by the fans. However, the strongest candidate for the position is Williams’ driver, Alex Albon, who besides being close friends with Mercedes driver, George Russell, had a very strong 2023 season, proving to be a perfect candidate for a top spot in the sport.
Williams driver Alexander Albon (Photo: Vogue Man Arabia)
Hamilton moving to Ferrari was something that nobody was expecting. It took the entire F1 community by surprise, as the British champion had formed a huge legacy with Mercedes, which he now leaves behind to join another team with an impressive history in the sport. This move serves as a turning point in Formula 1 and the start of a new era.
“It’s so hard to finish a sporting career. Lionel Messi has maybe had the World Cup to top it off with, but how difficult is it to exit the stage when you’ve had this glittering career at the top?” Craig Slater from Sky Sports News commented.
“What does Lewis Hamilton do to top off this masterpiece? Certainly a couple of years in red, following in the footsteps of Michael Schumacher, could he win the eighth world title? Schumacher won five of his seven with Ferrari – that would really top it off.”
