Why Has the Seven-Time World Champion Decided to Move Away from the Team That Supported His Rise to Success?
By: Kayleigh Weideman
PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK - MICHAEL POTTS F1
It was officially announced on the first of February that Lewis Hamilton would be moving to Scuderia Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season. This came as a shock as the seven-time world champion had recently signed a two-year contract extension with Mercedes, claiming that he wished to end his career with the team. So, what motivated Hamilton to make this monumental decision?
During a pre-season interview with Sky Sports F1 Hamilton spoke more about his decision. He noted that driving for Ferrari was something of a “childhood dream” of his, stating: “of course, I think for every driver growing up, watching the history, watching Michael Schumacher in his prime…you see the driver in the red cockpit and you wonder what it would be like to be surrounded by the red.” Scuderia Ferrari is the most historic and illustrious F1 team that has represented some of the biggest names in the sport such as Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel. Therefore, it is unsurprising that Hamilton would be enticed by the rare opportunity to drive for the legendary team.
Yet, there may have been more to the decision than mere sentiment. Since the regulation changes for the 2022 season, Mercedes have been unable to provide Hamilton with a competitive car. Throughout the 2023 season Hamilton reported numerous concerns to the engineering team which he felt were not being taken seriously and despite the team placing second in the 2023 Constructor Championship, narrowly beating out Ferrari, it was one of Hamilton’s worst seasons. Hamilton’s desire to stay competitive may be related to his loss at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where a controversial decision made by former race director Michael Masi not only cost him the race but the possibility of a 7th consecutive title. So, for Hamilton, Ferrari may be the team that can give him another chance at the championship title.
However, Ferrari has had their own challenges since the new hybrid era began in 2014 and they have not been able to challenge the dominance of Mercedes and Red Bull. But, considering the results from pre-season, it appears Ferrari may have a real competitive edge for this season and beyond Therefore, it is likely that Hamilton saw something promising in Ferrari’s development, enticing him to make the move.
Hamilton has also maintained a close personal relationship with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur since the two worked together to win Hamilton the GP2 Championship title in 2006. So, the move may have been mutually beneficial: Hamilton gets the competitive car he has lacked for the last two years and Vasseur gets an experienced driver who could potentially provide success for Ferrari.
As with Hamilton's decision to make the move from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013, he is taking a risk with the hopes of advancing his career, but will it pay off a second time? Hamilton is confident that Ferrari is the place for him to be next season stating that: “I think ultimately I’m writing my story and I felt like it was time to start a new chapter.” While this news is still captivating attention, there remains an entire season of exciting racing before the F1 legend appears in the iconic red Scuderia Ferrari racing suit.
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