The 2024 season was a peculiar one for Lewis Hamilton, torn between his final dance with Mercedes and the great dream of joining Ferrari. The seven-time world champion experienced a year full of emotions, where the Silverstone victory served as the perfect closure to a cycle.
Looking at the recent championships, it felt as though the love story between car #44 and the Silver Arrows had reached its end. From recurring struggles in qualifying to an increasingly challenging rivalry with George Russell—despite Hamilton ultimately scoring more points—the multi-time world champion seemed no longer comfortable in the team that made him the most successful driver in history.
The Ideal Closing Chapter
In a 2024 filled with ups and downs, there was one standout highlight for the Briton. The Silverstone victory allowed millions of fans to relive the Lewis Hamilton who, for much of the last decade, seemed unbeatable.
Beyond the emotions that accompanied it, that success symbolized, in many ways, the ideal conclusion to his journey with Mercedes. This was evident in Lewis Hamilton’s tears over the team radio, mirrored by Toto Wolff and Bono in the garage. A victory that united everyone and restored Formula 1’s great champion to his glory.
Eyes Always on the Future
At the same time, through Hamilton’s words and demeanor, it was clear that the British driver was already glancing toward a future painted in red.
For both Ferrari and Hamilton, 2025 will be a pivotal year. For Fred Vasseur’s team, after a 2024 season that marked an almost-return to success, it will be crucial to end the drought before the new regulatory era. For Hamilton, after three years away from championship contention, a competitive car combined with the opportunity to secure his long-coveted eighth title in a Ferrari could make this “deal of the century” one of modern Formula 1’s greatest love stories.
Looking back at Lewis Hamilton’s 2024, it’s hard to assign a definitive rating for his final season with Mercedes. While the Silverstone victory deserves a perfect 10, there were other performances—especially in qualifying—that left much to be desired. Red, like the car he will climb into in just a few weeks.
Leave a Reply