P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has addressed the reason behind Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming departure to join rivals Ferrari.
Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin dismissed claims that Lewis Hamilton is leaving the team for Ferrari due to the W15’s performance. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari at the season’s end was announced with Mercedes struggling in recent years. Despite a slow start, Mercedes has now seen success with consecutive wins in Austria and Silverstone, breaking a winless streak, and Hamilton winning the Belgian GP after teammate Russell’s disqualification. Shovlin believes Hamilton’s departure is not primarily due to car performance, but a desire for a new challenge in his successful career. With Hamilton aging at 39, joining Ferrari offers a significant new opportunity to end their title drought since 2008. Shovlin acknowledges that persuading Hamilton to stay with Mercedes would have been challenging given his desire for a fresh chapter in his racing journey.
