Lewis Hamilton may have made a brilliant move by joining Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season, with the Scuderia showing impressive pace toward the end of the 2024 campaign, while Mercedes struggled.
Lando Norris’ win at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix secured McLaren’s constructors’ championship by just 14 points, edging out Mercedes. This victory capped a remarkable turnaround for Ferrari, which had suffered a mid-season slump, managing only one podium (a third-place) in five races.
The final race of the season in Abu Dhabi further highlighted the contrasting performances of Ferrari and Mercedes. While Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were competitive, with Sainz pushing for the win and Leclerc making impressive progress, Mercedes’ George Russell ended up 37 seconds behind the leader, stuck in no man’s land with a Silver Arrow.
For Mercedes, performance was just one of the issues. Struggling with floor upgrades and a lack of consistency in the ground effect era, their development plans hit a wall by the Mexican Grand Prix. Despite an upgraded floor, Mercedes couldn’t outperform Russell’s older Miami-spec version, signaling a lack of progress.
On the other hand, Ferrari seems to be steadily advancing, while Mercedes appears to be moving backward. This contrast must offer Hamilton some reassurance after a season of challenges.
Hamilton’s Legacy with Ferrari
With Mercedes adrift, Hamilton’s shock decision to leave after 11 years looks increasingly like a shrewd move, reminiscent of his bold decision to join Mercedes in 2012. At the time, Mercedes was struggling, finishing with only 142 points and one win, while McLaren dominated the season. Critics, including Jeremy Clarkson, mocked Hamilton for leaving McLaren, likening it to leaving Manchester United for West Ham. Yet, Hamilton proved them wrong, with Mercedes dominating from 2014, achieving unprecedented success, and Hamilton securing multiple titles.
Now, Ferrari has emerged as a powerful contender, winning three of the last five races and potentially starting the 2025 season as one of the favorites for both championships. This momentum could provide Hamilton with his best chance to win a title since the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, over a thousand days ago. An eighth title would further cement his legacy on the track, while his ongoing efforts outside of racing continue to build a timeless legacy.
Why Did Hamilton Leave Mercedes for Ferrari?
Hamilton initially agreed to extend his Mercedes contract but decided to leave in February. Reports suggested that Mercedes rejected offering him an ambassadorial role beyond his racing career. Meanwhile, Mercedes had already planned to introduce Kimi Antonelli for 2026, pushing Hamilton into short-term contracts, similar to Valtteri Bottas’ position.
This led Hamilton to have a conversation with Ferrari CEO John Elkann, who convinced him to join the Scuderia. Hamilton’s reported $446 million deal with Ferrari also includes an ambassadorial role that aligns with his social initiatives, making it a perfect fit for him beyond the racetrack.
With Ferrari’s promising form and Hamilton’s desire to secure an eighth title, joining Ferrari could be the final chapter in a career that already spans extraordinary achievements.
Has Hamilton Played a Masterstroke by Joining Ferrari Ahead of F1 2025?
What do you think about Hamilton’s bold decision to switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season? Could this move propel him to his long-awaited eighth title, or will Ferrari’s rise and Mercedes’ struggles shape the future of Formula 1?
