Back in the winter, Lewis Hamilton dropped perhaps the biggest driver market bombshell in Formula 1 history. He announced that he’d be leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari in 2025.
The partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes has been more successful than any other in the sport. It delivered an unparalleled six world championships between 2014 and 2020.
But things have taken a turn for the worse since the beginning of F1’s ground effect era in 2022. Mercedes have been a long way off the benchmark of Red Bull, and Hamilton hasn’t been able to add to his 103 victories.
As he pursues an eighth world championship, something that’s never been done, he’s decided to join the Prancing Horse. Carlos Sainz will make way as he links up with Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton initially signed a new two-year deal last summer, appearing to commit to Mercedes. However, the second year of that agreement was optional, and he took up his right to leave.
Nico Rosberg gives his verdict on Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari
Speaking live on Sky Sports F1 ahead of the sprint qualifying session at the Chinese Grand Prix, where Hamilton placed second, former teammate Nico Rosberg recalled his instant reaction. He, like much of the F1 world, was stunned.
However, he thinks Hamilton is justified in taking the gamble, particularly as Ferrari have been faster than Mercedes this season. He wonders if the 39-year-old may even repeat his masterstroke McLaren exit, which preceded the Silver Arrows’ era of dominance.
“Of course it came as a huge surprise,” Rosberg said. “No one expected it, I didn’t expect it either. In the grand scheme of things, why not? It’s towards the end of his career.
“There’s two legendary teams – Mercedes and Ferrari. I know Lewis has also been a big fan of Ferrari road cars also, so why not make that switch and have a different experience driving in red, then he can really tick off both boxes?”
“At the moment it also seems in performance terms to be the right decision for him. Maybe he makes an amazing move like 12 years ago when he moved from McLaren to Mercedes.
“McLaren was winning races, Mercedes was nowhere, and the moment he moved, McLaren went backwards and Mercedes started winning races. Maybe he can get the same timing again.”
What Lewis Hamilton is ‘looking forward’ to at Ferrari
Last year, Mercedes were Red Bull’s closest competitors, but Ferrari have taken up that mantle this year. Hamilton and teammate George Russell are currently driving F1’s fourth-fastest car.
This is the former’s worst-ever start to a season, with just 10 points on the board after four races. But he may have taken solace in his new team’s improvement.
Ferrari took a one-two at the Australian Grand Prix following Max Verstappen’s retirement, and their trajectory is promising. They’re set to introduce a massive upgrade at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix next month.
Karun Chandhok reckons that Hamilton will have ‘enjoyed’ what he’s seen from afar this season. The Englishman himself has spoken of his excitement at the opportunity to embrace a new culture.
But if he is to win an eighth title with the Italian marquee, then he knows he’ll need to beat Leclerc. And, as Mika Hakkinen has warned, it’ll be far from an easy task.
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