This is not your typical farewell. To begin with, the timing of the announcement was always going to be difficult for Mercedes to accept. The individual they have supported since his early years, from Karting and feeder series until he made his mark on the grand stage in 2007 with McLaren powered by Mercedes.
The rest is Formula 1 record-breaking history, as the iconic Tri-Star emblem has been present for all 104 pole positions, all 103 victories, and all seven F1 World Championships that the 39-year-old Hamilton has achieved. It seemed like a perfect partnership.
However, everything changed on 1 February 2024. On that day, Ferrari confirmed that Hamilton would be joining their team in 2025 to team up with Charles Leclerc under the leadership of Fred Vasseur. The news sent shockwaves through the F1 community, particularly at Mercedes. This was not the ending they had anticipated.
There is no animosity, no scandal, nothing that triggered this move except for a third consecutive season of disappointment that has left Hamilton without a Grand Prix victory since 2021, with no signs of improvement. Nevertheless, it was a monumental shift in the F1 narrative. And Sir Lewis has yet to don the legendary Red of the Scuderia.
In an interview with CBS News, Hamilton provided insight into his mindset during his final year as a Mercedes driver: “This entire journey has been incredibly emotional for me. I have such a deep love for this team.
“I am not departing because I am unhappy there. I am not leaving due to any issues in our relationship. They have stood by me through thick and thin. So, it is definitely a peculiar transition at the moment,” acknowledged the British driver.
The situation may become more peculiar as the season progresses, with Mercedes gradually transferring the role of the number one driver from Hamilton, a position he has held since joining the Silver Arrows, to George Russell, who will remain as the team leader alongside an undecided teammate.
It is worth noting that since the 2022 season, Mercedes has only secured one victory with Russell. The Miami Grand Prix marked 51 races since Hamilton last tasted victory, which occurred in Saudi Arabia in 2021. This represents the longest winless streak he has experienced. Nowadays, his battles with Haas duo Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg are the highlights of his race days. There was a time when he would rarely encounter these two unless he was lapping them.
However, times have changed, and Hamilton’s wins have dried up. He expressed, “Our purpose is to win. And when you’re not winning, your perspective needs to shift. It becomes about chasing success and striving for improvement. It’s about bringing everyone together.”
Hamilton further discussed his life goals and aspirations when asked if he ever dreamed of achieving the impossible. He responded, “Reaching Formula 1, winning a world championship, and having a platform to positively connect with people. I never imagined that I would contribute to increasing diversity within the sport, the industry, and the companies I collaborate with. I believe in dreaming as big as possible and pursuing all of those dreams.” Perhaps Ferrari will be the next challenge!