Why Lewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes for Ferrari?

In one of the biggest developments in the history of Formula 1, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was confirmed as a Ferrari driver for the 2025 season on Thursday. Hamilton is set to sever his ties with Mercedes at the end of the season and will replace Carlos Sainz the following year. Hamilton claimed his maiden Formula 1 title with Mercedes and second overall back in 2014. The British racer dominated the circuit winning five more titles till 2020.

Overall, Hamilton has seven F1 titles and is tied with Ferrari great Michael Schumacher on the all-time list.

It is now being learnt that Ferrari had approached Hamilton during his period with Mercedes on several occasions but the Formula One superstar was reluctant to leave. As per an F1 article, Hamilton thought initially that Mercedes had the perfect combination to emerge as a champion unit. Though, Hamilton’s trust somehow dwindled as Mercedes kept on struggling.

BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton to join Ferrari in 2025!#F1 @LewisHamilton @ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/M5QrB5pM8G

— Formula 1 (@F1) February 1, 2024

The F1 article suggested Ferrari presented their master plan to Hamilton and showed him their development direction and what they had in store for 2026. Ferrari’s brand-new introductions and modifications did succeed in convincing Hamilton, as per the F1 report.

Despite, Ferrari’s impressive roadmap, Hamilton will certainly be wary of the Italian team’s championship drought in recent years. Ferrari have not been successful in earning a piece of silverware since winning the constructors’ championship back in 2008. But Hamilton is understood to have had a lot of trust in Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur, who was the Briton’s boss in Junior Formula. Hamilton had finalised a two-year extension with Mercedes last year.

“I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together. Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old. It’s a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. But the time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge,” Hamilton said in a team statement.

Hamilton is currently tied with legendary racer Michael Schumacher with seven titles and the Briton now has a chance to end Ferrari’s title drought by becoming one of the greatest racers ever to feature in Formula 1 circuit.