The end of the Formula One season has drawn the curtain on an illustrious chapter in Sir Lewis Hamilton’s career with Mercedes, as he looks ahead to a new challenge with Ferrari next season, where he aims to secure a record-breaking eighth championship title.
The 39-year-old concluded a remarkable twelve-season tenure with the Silver Arrows characterised by dominance, securing a total of seven titles during this period. Hamilton’s departure comes on the heels of several challenging seasons, where reaching the pinnacle of the sport proved elusive with the Brackley-based team.
His victory in this year’s home GP at Silverstone marked a significant moment for the Briton, as it was his first win since the controversial end of the 2021 calendar in Abu Dhabi, where he narrowly missed out on achieving that historically significant eighth title, falling victim to a decisive safety car restart that allowed Max Verstappen to claim the championship.
From waiting for your autograph as a 10 year old to being teammates for 3 years. It’s been an honour mate!! 👊 @LewisHamilton pic.twitter.com/0KEb07qgOR
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) December 5, 2024
Verstappen's rise has been meteoric since that fateful race, culminating in a further three drivers’ championship, including his 2024 triumph, which further emphasises the shifting sands within Formula One.
Mercedes, following their reign of dominance, have faced difficulties in adapting to the monumental changes brought by the introduction of the ground effect and new front wing designs. Their struggles to reclaim their status at the forefront of the grid have been palpable, especially as they view Red Bull's unquestionable superiority over the past four years from the sidelines.
It is, therefore, no surprise that a driver of Hamilton’s calibre sought a new opportunity, and it is serendipitous that this chance arose with a storied team like Ferrari, renowned for its rich history and winning traditions.
For those contemplating the allure of joining the Scuderia, parallels can be drawn with the world of football. Historically, elite footballers have often aspired to wear the colours of Real Madrid, joining a legacy steeped in achievements and glory.
Ferrari may have seen a decrease in recent success, but their impressive performance in thise past season culminated in a second-place finish in the lucrative constructors’ championship, amassing 652 points, just 14 shy of McLaren.
Hamilton’s arrival in Maranello will unite him with Charles Leclerc under the guidance of team principal Frederic Vasseur. The objective is clear: To ascend to the top step of the podium in the Constructors Championship for the first time since 2008 and to clinch a drivers' title for the first time since Kimi Raikkonen’s solitary crown in 2007.
In his final race for Mercedes, Hamilton showcased his resilience by improving from a 16th starting position to finish fourth. As he prepares to take the wheel at Ferrari at the age of 40, Hamilton’s performance throughout the season in a challenging Mercedes vehicle demonstrates that he still possesses the drive and capability to lead his next team to a remarkable resurgence.