With the conclusion of the 2024 F1 season, the chapter between Hamilton and Mercedes has officially closed. This partnership spanned twelve seasons with the official team, and even longer if we consider his years at McLaren, which was powered by Mercedes engines, as well as his entire career in junior categories, all supported by the three-pointed star of Stuttgart.
In short, an incredible era has ended, filled with countless successes but also some heartbreaks, such as Abu Dhabi 2021, one of the most controversial races in history that ultimately denied Lewis his eighth world title. That milestone would have cemented him as the most successful driver in F1 history in terms of championships, but it remains within reach.
The British driver is now ready to embrace a new challenge with Ferrari: a spectacular pairing, often described as “the greatest for the greatest” in recent months. This union, long pursued but never realized until now, is finally about to materialize. Once his contract with Mercedes expires, Lewis will officially become a Scuderia Ferrari driver on January 1, 2025.
Hamilton, difficult final years with Mercedes
Hamilton’s farewell season with Mercedes was far from unforgettable. The car was often challenging to drive, yet the seven-time world champion managed to secure two victories—one gifted by George Russell after being disqualified for being underweight at Spa. However, his triumph at Silverstone will go down in history, as he delivered a flawless performance in a car that seemed to be improving at that point.
During June and July, the W15 showed significant progress, only for that momentum to evaporate after the summer break. Sporadic improvements reappeared late in the season. The regulatory era that began in 2022 has proven difficult for the Brackley team, which has produced three consecutive cars that were hard to understand and challenging for the drivers to handle on track.
Despite this, Lewis ultimately edged out George Russell in the standings, thanks to an impressive outside pass in Abu Dhabi during the final race. Over their three years as teammates, their performances have been relatively even. Still, Hamilton’s form in the second half of the season, despite some lackluster races, offers Ferrari a promising foundation as they continue to grow and demonstrate a hunger for victory, spearheaded by Charles Leclerc, a cornerstone of the team’s project.
Hamilton’s emotional farewell to Mercedes
Goodbyes are never easy. Lewis Hamilton bid farewell to Mercedes at Brackley with a heartfelt speech in front of his most iconic cars, which have defined the team’s legacy and his storied F1 career. Their bond will remain unbroken, even as he embarks on a completely different project, one uniquely stimulating in its own way.
“As you know, I’ll be leaving the team, but you will continue to grow and achieve even greater success because you are an extraordinary group,” Lewis told the team. “There’s an incredible combination of talent and passion here, and anyone would be lucky to be part of this team. I hope that, when I retire, I can come back and reminisce with you about the special moments we shared. No driver has had such a long and successful career with a single team, and that makes this farewell even harder. You have been part of my dream, and I hope I’ve been part of yours as well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, also on behalf of my family, for your dedication and commitment over the years.”
Hamilton also addressed the staff at Brixworth, where the German power units have been built since his McLaren days: “Mercedes changed my life. I never imagined I’d work with so many extraordinary people who guided me on this incredible journey and allowed me to achieve so much. I’ll continue to follow you and cheer for you, always wishing you the best. I believe in you and am immensely proud of everything we’ve accomplished together. I hope to return one day, in a few years.”
After a brief break, Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari adventure will begin. As the British driver himself stated, his winter break will be shortened as he adapts to a new team, different dynamics, and even a new language. To prepare, Lewis is already taking intensive Italian lessons to ensure he’s ready to connect with his new fans, who can now truly start dreaming.
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