P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton is set to depart Mercedes to link up with Ferrari next year and further details have emerged regarding the Briton’s decision to depart the Brackley-based squad.
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is expected to be announced soon, and it has been revealed that the departure of Loic Serra, the former Head of Vehicle Performance at Mercedes, played a significant role in Hamilton’s decision. Serra had disagreements with the Mercedes technical staff, particularly regarding the direction of the W13 and W14 projects. Both Serra and Hamilton had concerns about the 2022-spec car, which was built under revised technical regulations. Hamilton expressed his frustration with the Mercedes team not listening to his input on the car’s issues. Serra’s move to Ferrari also brings along a group of technicians who had been unavailable to James Allison, Ferrari’s Technical Director, for months. Despite this, Allison has signed a long-term deal with Mercedes to lead their recovery, but they will have to move forward without Hamilton in their lineup.
