P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Hamilton didn’t tell parents about Ferrari F1 switch until announcement day
On the morning of February 1st, news broke that Lewis Hamilton would be joining Ferrari for the start of the 2025 season, a day after he informed Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff over breakfast. Mercedes and Ferrari only confirmed the move later that same evening after coordinating their announcements. Hamilton revealed during the BBC podcast ‘F1: Back at Base’ that he didn’t inform anyone, including his parents, until the day of the announcement because he wanted to make the decision for himself and determine what was best for him. The surprising switch was made possible by a contract extension Hamilton signed with Mercedes last summer, which was initially thought to be a straightforward two-year deal but was actually a one-year term with an option for another year. This move was part of a strategy agreed upon by Mercedes and Hamilton, with the driver acknowledging the uncertainty of his future in racing but feeling excited and driven to continue competing. Ultimately, the opportunity to join Ferrari arose suddenly, and Hamilton, after a brief moment of contemplation, decided to seize the chance.
