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Last Stint: Hamilton’s Final Drive with Mercedes marks the end of an iconic 11-year partnership as he transitions to Ferrari in 2025.
New Delhi: After 11 extraordinary years, Lewis Hamilton’s partnership with Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 will come to an end following the 2024 Formula 1 season. The seven-time World Champion, who has become synonymous with the team’s success, is set to join Scuderia Ferrari in 2025, marking one of the most significant moves in F1 history.
Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013, and together, they redefined dominance in Formula 1. With 82 race wins and six Drivers’ Championships during their partnership, Hamilton and Mercedes were virtually untouchable from 2014 to 2020, thanks to a combination of his skill and the team’s engineering brilliance. However, the 2024 season has been challenging, exposing cracks in what was once an unstoppable force. Mercedes has struggled to match the pace of Red Bull, and Hamilton has voiced his frustrations with the car’s performance. The Brazilian Grand Prix was a low point, with Hamilton describing the car as “undriveable.” Team Principal Toto Wolff’s remarks about Hamilton’s “shelf life” further fueled speculation about their split. Despite this, Hamilton defended his passion for racing, declaring, “I feel like people are expecting me to fail; therefore, I expect myself to win.”
Hamilton’s season has been a rollercoaster. He achieved a memorable victory at the British Grand Prix, his 104th career win and a record-breaking ninth at Silverstone, delighting home fans. Another highlight came at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Mercedes secured a one-two finish, with George Russell taking the win and Hamilton coming in second. Yet, the season has also been marred by frustrations. A heated radio exchange during the Qatar Grand Prix showcased Hamilton’s growing impatience with the team’s inability to provide a competitive car. While he battled fiercely in races like the Qatar Sprint, finishing sixth after a dramatic wheel-to-wheel clash with Charles Leclerc, the results have often fallen short of expectations.
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Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari in 2025 is both a risk and an opportunity. Ferrari is the most iconic team in Formula 1, but it has struggled to find consistent success in recent years. For Hamilton, the move represents a chance to make history by bringing Ferrari back to championship glory, a feat that has eluded many great drivers. His partnership with Charles Leclerc promises to be exciting yet challenging. While Ferrari gains a seasoned champion in Hamilton, the dynamics between two strong personalities will be closely watched. For fans, this move fuels anticipation for an era of intense competition and high stakes.
As Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes, his legacy is already cemented. He has not only rewritten record books but also transcended the sport, using his platform to advocate for diversity and social change. Reflecting on his career, Hamilton stated, “I was born to race and to win,” highlighting his unwavering dedication. Toto Wolff summed up their journey: “We win and lose together. That’s the spirit of our team.” While the partnership may be ending, the memories and achievements will remain legendary. As Hamilton transitions to Ferrari, the motorsport world awaits to see if he can add another extraordinary chapter to his already iconic career.
