Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari has raised eyebrows in the motorsport world, particularly as he made the announcement even before the first race of the 2024 season. The seven-time World Champion revealed that 2024 would be his final year with Mercedes, opting instead to exercise an escape clause in his contract and sign a multi-year deal with Ferrari.
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, responded to the news by suggesting that Hamilton must have seen something at Ferrari that convinced him it was the right time for a change. Horner believes that the tie-up between Hamilton and Ferrari is exciting for F1, though Mercedes’ motorsport boss Toto Wolff quickly dismissed any suggestion that Hamilton had left due to dissatisfaction with the W15 car, pointing out that the team had already conducted a simulator test on the new car.
While Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes shocked many, it came after a somewhat mixed 2023 season for the Brackley-based team, which saw some progress but also setbacks. Despite two wins—at Silverstone and Spa—Mercedes finished the season in a distant fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, while Ferrari had five victories and sat just 36 points behind McLaren.
In contrast, Hamilton’s departure marks a significant change for him personally and professionally, as he leaves behind a team where he has spent over a decade and achieved remarkable success, including multiple World Championships and historic milestones in F1. Horner commented that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari could be perfectly timed, with the Scuderia gaining momentum and Hamilton potentially finding success in the new environment.
Horner noted that the change of team dynamics would be a challenge for Hamilton, especially as he moves from a team he knows so well into a new environment. Ferrari is known for its unpredictability, and working alongside Charles Leclerc, a fast and competitive driver, will be a new test for Hamilton. The Red Bull team boss expressed excitement at the prospect of seeing how Hamilton adapts to life at Ferrari, noting that the team is showing signs of improvement and momentum, which could make them more competitive in the future. Horner acknowledged that with a driver of Hamilton’s caliber, Ferrari will have a formidable contender on their hands.
Hamilton himself has expressed that his move to Ferrari was the realization of a childhood dream. He grew up watching Michael Schumacher dominate with Ferrari, which inspired him to one day join the iconic team. Reflecting on his decision, Hamilton admitted that it was one of the hardest choices of his career, considering his long history with Mercedes, a partnership that has spanned over 26 years. He has often spoken about the pride he feels in the history he and Mercedes have created together, but ultimately, Hamilton believes it’s time to write a new chapter in his F1 journey.
Despite the challenges, Hamilton’s decision could signal a new era for both him and Ferrari. The Scuderia have shown signs of competitiveness, and with five wins in 2024, they have the potential to challenge for a top position in the Constructors’ Championship. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari comes at a time when the team appears to be gaining strength, and his wealth of experience and skill could make him a key factor in their future success. With the season still ongoing and plenty of points up for grabs, the battle between Ferrari, Mercedes, and other teams like McLaren is shaping up to be an exciting one.
