Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is preparing for his final season with Mercedes before the British veteran driver sensationally joins Ferrari in 2025
Hamilton discussed his intention to leave Mercedes in an interview with the BBC 5 Live podcast F1: Back at Base, which can be found on BBC Sounds’ F1: Chequered Flag feed. He implied that the German manufacturers’ recent struggles were largely due to his long-standing friendship with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur. He acknowledged that until the day of the revelation, not even his parents were aware of it.
“I’ve known Fred [Vasseur] for a long time, and it happened very fast,” Hamilton remarked. “For me, the start of a new year meant excitement, but I had no idea what the future held or how long I would race. All I knew was that I felt extremely motivated and eager to keep racing.
The chance just seemed to present itself, so I took a moment to consider it. I had to follow my instincts because I didn’t have much time to contemplate before I decided to seize the chance.
Hamilton responded, “Yeah,” when asked if the choice was based on “gut feeling.” Your heart and your gut. I said nothing to anyone. Nobody knew since I didn’t notify my parents until the day it was made public. I had to figure out what would be best for me even though I really wanted to do it for myself.
Hamilton responded, “Yeah,” when asked if the choice was based on “gut feeling.” Your heart and your gut. I said nothing to anyone. Nobody knew since I didn’t notify my parents until the day it was made public. I had to figure out what would be best for me even though I really wanted to do it for myself.
Hamilton will compete in his final Formula One season with Mercedes in 2024. After switching from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013, Hamilton became the co-most successful driver in the history of the sport, winning six of his seven world championships there.
While driving for Mercedes, Hamilton has established himself as one of the most recognizable sports figures on the globe. The 39-year-old acknowledged that it was not an easy decision to quit the team. “To be honest, it was the hardest decision,” he continued.
It was quite difficult for me to leave McLaren because the company was like family to me. It was really…you feel like you’re a member of the family and obviously have had a major role in the Mercedes, my life, and everything we’ve accomplished together.
“And the fact is, our amazing history together will always exist, and I will always be a fan of Mercedes.” Even now, years after I left McLaren, I constantly inquire about their whereabouts and offer my support, and I will continue to do so here as well.
The Bahrain Grand Prix kicks off the 2024 Formula One season on March 2.
