The end of 2024 marked a seismic shift in Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton, the driver who defined Mercedes' dominant era and won six of his seven world titles with the Silver Arrows, left the team for Ferrari . It was a decision steeped in frustration, ambition and the allure of reviving Ferrari's long-dormant glory.
For Mercedes, Hamilton's departure is a bitter pill to swallow. Team principal Toto Wolff did not mince his words, admitting that Mercedes had failed its superstar driver in the new regulatory era. “We failed to give Lewis the car he needed to win,” Wolff told Car Motor and Sport. “We just couldn't deliver consistent performance, aerodynamic loading or handling. »
The Decline of a Dynasty
Mercedes' downfall began with the revision of the 2022 technical regulations, which ended the team's near-total dominance during the hybrid era. The once invincible Silver Arrows found themselves battling unpredictable handling, tire degradation and a deficit to Red Bull, McLaren and, ultimately, Ferrari.
Hamilton's results tell the story of Mercedes' decline. From 2022 to 2024, the Briton managed just two wins—a stark contrast to his golden years, where double-digit win totals were the norm. Last season was particularly grueling: Hamilton finished seventh in the Drivers' Championship, his lowest position since his debut with McLaren in 2007.
The Russell Factor
The rise of George Russell has further complicated Hamilton's final chapter at Mercedes. The young Briton consistently outperformed his illustrious teammate in qualifying, winning their direct duel 19–5 in 2024. Particularly after the summer break, Russell established himself as Mercedes' strongman.
Wolff attributed Hamilton's difficulties to his aggressive driving style, which was at odds with the characteristics of the new generation of Formula 1 cars. “Lewis brakes late and attacks the corners aggressively,” Wolff explained. “This generation of cars is not suitable for this approach. Sometimes it’s better to drive at 98%, and that’s more noticeable in qualifying.”
Despite speculation that Mercedes may have favored Russell, Wolff and Technical Director James Allison have both rejected allegations of unequal treatment. “The cars were identical. Any difference in tuning was the choice of the individual teams,” Allison said. Wolff echoed this sentiment: “Lewis is too professional to give up or accept anything less than equal.”
Hamilton's Bet with Ferrari
At 40, Hamilton begins a new chapter with Ferrari, the most iconic team in Formula 1 history. His move to Maranello comes with the promise of a more competitive car, while Ferrari came close to Constructors' title in 2024. Team boss Fred Vasseur believes Hamilton's experience and determination will complement Charles Leclerc's raw speed, forming a duo capable of rivaling Red Bull's Max Verstappen and the resurgent McLaren duo.
For his part, Hamilton is determined to prove his critics wrong. “It's about heritage,” he said at Ferrari's launch event for the 2025 season. “Ferrari represents the passion, the history and the dream of every driver. I’m here to end my career on a high note.”
The Weight of History
The pressure on Hamilton and Ferrari is immense. The Scuderia has not won a Drivers' Championship since Kimi Räikkönen in 2007, and its last Constructors' title came in 2008. For Hamilton, this is not just a career swansong, but an opportunity to claim eighth elusive world title and cement his place as the undisputed greatest of all time.
But the challenge is significant. Red Bull, led by Verstappen, remains a juggernaut, and McLaren is closing the gap. Ferrari, despite its 2024 improvements, still needs to find those crucial final tenths to compete consistently at the top.
The Last Word of Toto Wolff
Wolff, reflecting on Hamilton's departure, was blunt: “We will miss him, of course. Lewis was more than a driver—he was the heart of this team. But Formula 1 is about moving forward, and we respect his decision to take on this new challenge.”
The Challenges for 2025
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Ferrari. Can the Briton revive the Scuderia's championship pedigree, or will this chapter be another “what if” in Ferrari's recent history? For Hamilton, the stakes have never been higher: it's about redemption, legacy and proving that even at the dawn of his career, he remains a force to be reckoned with.
