Hamilton delivers short answer for his decision to join Ferrari after a…read more
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed his reasoning behind the monumental decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari for the 2025 season. The Briton, one of the most decorated drivers in the sport’s history, shared his motivations in a candid interview, emphasizing his desire to fulfill a lifelong dream.
Hamilton’s departure, announced on February 1, sent shockwaves through the F1 community. Having been a cornerstone of Mercedes’ dominance since 2013, his decision to activate an exit clause and cut ties with the Brackley-based team two years before the end of his contract marks a pivotal moment in his career.
In his interview with Mirror, author Matt Whyman, who penned Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane, shed light on Hamilton’s personal reflections. According to Whyman, Hamilton simply stated, “It is every kid’s dream who gets involved in motor racing to race a Ferrari. That is it. I didn’t want to get to the end of my career and look back wondering, ‘What if?’”
While Hamilton’s move to Scuderia Ferrari is driven by ambition, it was not without emotional turmoil. Whyman recounted a poignant moment when Hamilton struggled with how to break the news to his loyal Mercedes team. Known for his strong bond with his engineers and mechanics, Hamilton had organized a traditional pre-season paintballing event with his team but found himself overcome with emotion upon seeing them gathered. “He told me he sat in his car for 20 minutes, unable to get out because he was thinking, ‘What am I going to say to them?’”
Hamilton’s humanity, often masked by his steely focus on the track, was evident in this moment. Whyman added, “This wasn’t a robotic decision. He knew the repercussions on a personal level and cared deeply about how it would impact the relationships he’s built over the years.”
Despite the emotional weight of leaving Mercedes, Hamilton’s choice underscores his relentless pursuit of new challenges. Ferrari, the sport’s most storied team, remains the ultimate symbol of success for many drivers. Hamilton has achieved everything else—equaling Michael Schumacher’s seven titles, amassing a record-breaking number of wins and pole positions—but driving for Ferrari was the one milestone that eluded him.
For Hamilton, this move is more than just a professional shift; it’s the fulfillment of a dream he couldn’t let slip away.
