Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari: Report reveals major reason for F1 star’s exit from Mercedes
Hamilton's departure is out of the blue and surprising, especially because of the lengthy talks on the agreement he signed with Mercedes last year
The racing industry was surprised on Thursday when seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton confirmed his departure from Mercedes after the 2024 season to join Ferrari. Despite signing a new two-year contract extension with Mercedes in August, Hamilton has used his release clause, setting the route for a transfer to Ferrari in 2025. This is a huge transition for the 39-year-old British driver, whom Ferrari had targeted before signing with Mercedes.
“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,” Hamilton said in a team release.
“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.”
Reason behind Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes
After switching from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013, Hamilton won six of his seven titles with the team. He now owns the F1 record with 103 race victories. However, his most recent victory came in the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, highlighting Mercedes’ difficulties in making their new vehicle competitive with Red Bull. According to RacingNews365, this might also be the main reason for Lewis’ departure from Mercedes.
According to the report, Loic Serra’s departure from Mercedes had a huge effect on Hamilton’s choice. Serra, who formerly served as Mercedes’ Head of Vehicle Performance, joined Ferrari for the 2025 season. Serra allegedly battled with Mercedes’ technical staff, lead by Mike Elliott, over the path of the W13 and W14 projects, which included a significantly expanded wheelbase and floor. Both Serra and Hamilton appear to have qualms about the 2022-spec vehicle, which was built under new technical standards.
In fact, Hamilton has been open about his worries about the vehicle, even during the 2023 season. “Last year, I told them the issues that are with the car. I’ve driven so many cars in my life, so I know what a car needs, I know what a car doesn’t need. And I think it’s really about accountability, it’s about owning up and saying ‘yeah, you know what, we didn’t listen to you, it’s not where it needs to be and we’ve got to work.” Regardless, Hamilton’s choice is somewhat surprising, especially since lengthy talks on the agreement he signed last year fueled suspicion that he was mulling a transfer to another team.
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