The sport of Formula 1 is always about expecting the unexpected. This offseason has really put that notion to the test as avid fans everywhere were shocked at the news of seven time champion Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes and his decision to switch to Ferrari in 2025. There had been rumors of Hamilton’s departure throughout the off-season, however both Charles Leclerc (driver for Ferrari) and Hamilton denied these rumors and brushed them off as playful and lighthearted.
February 1st, 2024 Lewis Hamilton announced that he would be leaving his team of 11 years, to join Scuderia Ferrari in 2025. This announcement left the F1 community in shock as late into the 2023 season Hamilton had said that his F1 career would likely come to an end with Mercedes. Hamilton started his career as an F1 rookie at Mclaren, but his name became one that would go down in the history books the day he joined Mercedes. Giving himself seven world championship titles with Mercedes, Hamilton tied himself with legend Micheal Schumacher- who ironically was a driver for Ferrari- for the most championships. Therefore, this switch left F1 fans speechless. What changed? Why was Hamilton leaving the team that has given him so much? According to Hamilton, “The stars aligned” when he put pen to paper for the switch to Ferrari.
When asked by F1 journalists about how he felt about the switch, Hamilton replied: “I feel like… it was obviously the hardest decision that I think I’ve ever had to make. Obviously I’ve been with Mercedes for, I think it’s like 26 years they’ve supported me, and we’ve had an absolutely incredible journey together. We’ve created history within the sport, and it’s something I take a lot of pride in and I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved. But I think ultimately I’m writing my story and I felt like it was time to start a new chapter.”
It’s clear to every F1 fan that Lewis Hamilton still has a lot to give and he is determined to regain the title as world champion and do whatever it takes to close the gap between the Ferrari and RedBull. However, where does this leave Ferrari’s beloved second driver Carlos Sainz?
Sainz’ future is left undetermined, however the Spaniard is ready to take on his final season with Ferrari head on and work towards his long time dream of becoming a world champion. The chances are looking good for Sainz as he has claimed some of the fastest times during pre-season testing. Fans are certain that offers from other teams will be flooding in for Sainz after his departure from Ferrari in 2024, but that’s only if he can keep up this momentum and perform as well as he has been in the first race of the season, the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 2nd.
One future set in stone, the other uncertain, the 2025 F1 season will be one to watch. For now, let’s enjoy and relish Sainz and Hamilton’s final rides in the iconic red and white liveries.