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Lewis Hamilton’s surprise decision to depart Mercedes and join Ferrari next year has left this former senior official of the German manufacturer in a state of shock.
Former Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Norbert Haug has expressed his surprise at Lewis Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari, stating that he was “blown away” by the news. Hamilton will be leaving Mercedes at the end of the upcoming season to join Charles Leclerc at the renowned Italian team. Haug, who brought Mercedes back to F1 in 1994, had believed that Hamilton’s alliance with Mercedes would last forever. Hamilton’s departure marks the end of a successful era with Mercedes, where he achieved 82 Grand Prix wins and six World Championships. Despite Hamilton’s departure, Haug acknowledges his positive impact on Formula 1 and the sport’s push for equality.