SUMMARY
- Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari shocked the world after years of success with Mercedes.
- Hamilton's remarks about staying with Mercedes in conflict with his Ferrari move.
When the news of Lewis Hamilton parting ways with Mercedes to join Ferrari in 2025 broke out, the world was in shock. After having won six championships like it was a piece of cake with the support of Silver Arrows, fans, and spectators believed that this was it and that Hamilton would be a part of it till the very end. However, the reality of the driver and the teams appears to be something else.
The Briton penned down a parting note to make it official after sharing 11 long years of partnership. Reports suggest that Hamilton updated the team principal Toto Wolff only one day prior to the big reveal. Regardless, the 39-year-old driver had multiple reasons for taking a step as big as that one as cited by his former teammate.
However, it seems like Hamilton said something very contrasting last year which does not align with this transfer.
Did Lewis Hamilton let go of his vow?
The 7-time world champion offered an insight regarding his future with Mercedes. The 2023 season was rather mundane for the Brackley-based team. With no race wins and issues with the W14 car, Lewis Hamilton and teammate, George Russell struggled hard till the very end. Yet, Hamilton felt confident regarding his future with Silver Arrows.
Lewis Hamilton 10 months ago:
“I see myself with Mercedes until my last days, to be honest. I have amazing allies within the team, great relationships here.”
“Just as long as I can continue to help drive the team forward, really contribute …”#F1 pic.twitter.com/gIHZ9iqW20
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) February 1, 2024
He confessed to the reporters at the Australia GP, “I continue to feel very much at home in this family. I see myself with Mercedes until my last days, to be honest. I have amazing allies within the team, great relationships here. Just as long as I can continue to help drive the team forward, really contribute … if there’s ever going to be a point where I feel like I’m unable to do that, it’s time for a youngster to come in.”
It was only last August when Hamilton extended his previous contract with the team which would keep him on board until 2025.
The Brit’s plan to end the Mercedes era before Ferrari switch
Until his debut with the Scuderia team in 2025, Lewis Hamilton claims his dedication to his responsibilities at Mercedes. Having joined Mercedes in 2013, Hamilton witnessed his rise to the dominant phase with this team. Reflecting on the recent developments, Hamilton is going through a mixed bag of emotions.
Most wins, pole positions and podium finishes in F1 history. The partnership between Mercedes-Benz and @LewisHamilton has been like no other. Here’s to 24 races together in 2024 to sign off an unforgettable relationship. pic.twitter.com/5tfXeW31Az
— Mercedes-Benz (@MercedesBenz) February 1, 2024
He stated, “It’s been a crazy few days filled with a whole range of emotions…I’m not thinking about 2025. My focus is on the upcoming season and getting back out on track with Mercedes. I am more driven than ever, I am fitter and more focussed than ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again. I am 100% committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high.”
Throughout his tenure with Mercedes, the 39-year-old earned remarkable success, securing 82 victories out of his record 103 races. The team also enjoyed eight consecutive constructors’ titles from 2014 to 2021.