P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton’s shock move away from Mercedes is the biggest driver switch since Lewis Hamilton’s shock move to Mercedes, and it caught everyone by surprise. While 2025 looked like it could be a b…
Lewis Hamilton’s surprising departure from Mercedes is the most significant driver switch since his surprising move to Mercedes. Despite signing a multi-year contract extension with Mercedes last year, Hamilton’s deal had break clauses, leaving the possibility for other moves. Ferrari chairman John Elkann was aware of the chance to secure the most successful driver in F1 history, and Hamilton had a decision to make. While the Mercedes partnership has been successful, Ferrari holds a romantic appeal that no other team can match, similar to Michael Schumacher’s move to end Ferrari’s championship drought. Hamilton will join Ferrari at the age of 40, heading into the final year of the current regulations. Both Mercedes and Ferrari have been fighting for the runner-up spot to Red Bull in recent seasons, and the move carries a similar level of risk for Hamilton.
