Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, is set to join Ferrari for the 2025 Formula One season, confirmed by the Italian team. This surprising move will see Hamilton replace Carlos Sainz the following year after driving for Mercedes in the upcoming season.
Hamilton, 39, had signed a new two-year contract with Mercedes last year but exercised a release option to make the sensational move to Ferrari. The decision was described by Hamilton as one of the toughest he has ever had to make, leaving Mercedes after a successful partnership.
Ferrari, F1’s most successful team, has not won a drivers’ title since 2007. Hamilton, tied with Michael Schumacher with seven titles, now has an opportunity to end Ferrari‘s drought and become F1’s most decorated champion, potentially winning titles with three different teams.
The move caught many by surprise, including Mercedes, as they have not yet confirmed a replacement for Hamilton. Ferrari chairman John Elkann sought to add a big-name driver to partner Charles Leclerc, leading to the pursuit of Hamilton’s signature.
Charles Leclerc recently signed a contract extension until at least 2026, and Elkann’s ambitions explain why Ferrari delayed a similar extension for Carlos Sainz. Negotiations with Hamilton intensified towards the end of the year and into January, resulting in the unexpected switch.
Hamilton’s career had seemed destined to conclude with Mercedes, where he won six of his seven world titles and contributed to the team’s dominant era. His move to Ferrari adds an intriguing dynamic to the F1 landscape, and the identity of his replacement at Mercedes will be closely watched.
Mercedes will now face the challenge of filling the void left by Hamilton, and potential candidates include standout 2023 performer Alex Albon and others like Daniel Ricciardo. The announcement adds excitement to the upcoming F1 season, with the focus shifting to how Hamilton adapts to the iconic Ferrari team.
Scuderia Ferrari and Carlos Sainz confirmed their parting at the end of 2024, and discussions about Sainz’s future are awaited. The unexpected move by Hamilton sets the stage for a compelling season, stirring speculation and anticipation in the world of Formula One.
Lewis Hamilton, born on January 7, 1985, in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England, is one of the most successful and iconic Formula One drivers in the sport’s history. His journey in F1 is marked by numerous achievements, records, and a significant impact on the sport. Here’s a timeline of Lewis Hamilton’s remarkable career:
2007: Debut with McLaren
- Hamilton made his Formula One debut with McLaren in 2007.
- In his first race at the Australian Grand Prix, he finished third, becoming the first driver to reach the podium in his debut since Jacques Villeneuve in 1996.
2008: Youngest World Champion
- Hamilton won his first World Championship in 2008, becoming the youngest world champion at the time.
- The title was clinched in a dramatic final race at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
2010-2012: McLaren Years
- Hamilton continued with McLaren until the end of the 2012 season.
- He consistently competed at the highest level, securing multiple race wins and podium finishes.
2013: Move to Mercedes
- Hamilton made a high-profile move to Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team in 2013.
- The switch marked the beginning of a dominant era for both Hamilton and Mercedes.
2014: Second World Championship
- Hamilton secured his second World Championship in 2014 with Mercedes.
- He finished the season with 11 victories and 16 podiums.
2015-2016: Back-to-Back Titles
- Hamilton claimed back-to-back championships in 2015 and 2016.
- These victories solidified his status as one of the sport’s modern greats.
2017-2018: Intense Rivalry with Sebastian Vettel
- Hamilton faced a fierce competition with Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari in 2017 and 2018.
- Despite the competition, Hamilton secured his fourth championship in 2017.
2019: Sixth World Championship
- Hamilton clinched his sixth World Championship in 2019, putting him just one title away from Michael Schumacher’s record.
2020: Equaling Schumacher’s Record
- Hamilton matched Michael Schumacher’s record of seven World Championships in 2020.
- He became the most successful driver in terms of championships, tying with the legendary Schumacher.
2021: Breaking the Wins Record
- Hamilton became the all-time wins leader in Formula One, surpassing Schumacher’s record.
- He secured his 100th career victory at the Russian Grand Prix in 2021.
2022-2023: Challenges and Transition
- Hamilton faced challenges in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
- Despite not winning races, his impact on the sport remained significant.
2024: Move to Ferrari
- In a surprising move, Hamilton announced his move to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season.
Lewis Hamilton’s career is not only characterized by his on-track success but also by his activism, philanthropy, and efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in Formula One. His legacy extends beyond the racetrack, making him a global sporting icon.
Ferrari is an iconic and legendary name in Formula One, and its history in the sport is rich with successes, rivalries, and moments that have defined the team as one of the most storied in motorsport. Here’s an overview of Ferrari’s history in Formula One:
1947: Foundation of Scuderia Ferrari
- Ferrari’s involvement in motorsport dates back to the late 1920s, but Scuderia Ferrari, the racing division of the company, was officially founded in 1947 by Enzo Ferrari.
- The team’s first Formula One race was in the inaugural season of the World Championship in 1950.
1950-1953: Early Success
- Ferrari achieved early success with its 125 F1 car.
- Alberto Ascari secured back-to-back Drivers’ Championships in 1952 and 1953.
1956: Fangio’s Championship
- Juan Manuel Fangio won the Drivers’ Championship for Ferrari in 1956.
1961: Phil Hill’s Title
- Phil Hill secured the Drivers’ Championship for Ferrari in 1961.
1975-1977: Lauda and Villeneuve
- Niki Lauda won two championships in 1975 and 1977.
- Gilles Villeneuve joined Ferrari and became a fan favorite, showcasing incredible talent.
2000-2004: Schumacher Dominance
- Michael Schumacher joined Ferrari in 1996.
- Schumacher and Ferrari enjoyed unprecedented success, winning five consecutive Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships from 2000 to 2004.
2007: Raikkonen’s Title
- Kimi Räikkönen secured the Drivers’ Championship in 2007, providing Ferrari with another championship.
2008-2013: Continued Competitiveness
- Ferrari remained competitive, with Felipe Massa finishing as runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship in 2008.
- Fernando Alonso had a stint with Ferrari, coming close to winning titles in 2010 and 2012.
2019: Leclerc’s Arrival
- Charles Leclerc joined Ferrari in 2019, showing promise and becoming a key figure in the team.
2022: Changes and Challenges
- Ferrari faced challenges in the 2022 season, with a renewed focus on development and future competitiveness.
2024: Hamilton’s Signing
- In a surprising move, Ferrari announced the signing of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season.
Throughout its history, Ferrari has been a symbol of passion, excellence, and a commitment to winning in Formula One. The team’s iconic red cars and prancing horse logo are synonymous with the pinnacle of motorsport, and Ferrari continues to be a dominant force on the grid.
The history of Formula One (F1) is a thrilling journey that spans decades, filled with iconic moments, legendary drivers, and technological advancements. Here’s a concise overview of the history of Formula One:
1950: Inaugural Season
- The first official Formula One World Championship season took place in 1950.
- The British Grand Prix at Silverstone hosted the opening race, and Giuseppe Farina won the championship driving for Alfa Romeo.
1950s: Ascari and Fangio
- Juan Manuel Fangio and Alberto Ascari emerged as dominant figures.
- Fangio secured five Drivers’ Championships, while Ascari won back-to-back titles.
1960s: British Invasion
- The 1960s saw a “British Invasion” with teams like Lotus, Cooper, and BRM achieving success.
- Jim Clark, Graham Hill, and John Surtees became prominent champions.
1970s: Stewart, Lauda, and Hunt
- Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, and James Hunt were stars of the 1970s.
- Lauda’s comeback from a near-fatal crash in 1976 is one of F1’s most remarkable stories.
1980s: Prost and Senna Rivalry
- Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna engaged in a fierce rivalry during the late 1980s.
- The McLaren duo’s battles are some of the most memorable in F1 history.
1990s: Schumacher Era
- Michael Schumacher dominated the 1990s, winning seven Drivers’ Championships.
- Ferrari, under Schumacher and Ross Brawn, became a powerhouse.
2000s: Schumacher and Rivalry Renewed
- Schumacher’s dominance continued in the early 2000s.
- Rivalry intensified with emerging talents like Fernando Alonso and Kimi Räikkönen.
2010s: Hamilton and Mercedes
- Lewis Hamilton emerged as a leading figure, winning multiple championships.
- Mercedes dominated with Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, setting new records.
2020s: Hamilton’s Legacy and New Challengers
- Lewis Hamilton continued to break records in the 2020s.
- Young talents like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc challenged the established order.
2022: Technical Changes
- F1 introduced major technical changes in 2022 to enhance competition and sustainability.
2024: Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari
- In a surprising move, Lewis Hamilton signed with Ferrari for the 2025 season.
Formula One’s history is a captivating narrative of speed, innovation, and human determination. The sport continues to evolve, captivating fans worldwide with its blend of cutting-edge technology and thrilling on-track battles.
In Memory of our mate Paul Ebeling
