Hamilton kept Ferrari switch from parents until announcement

In a shock move, seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton will switch from Mercedes to rivals Ferrari for 2025.

However, in an interview for the BBC’s new podcast ‘F1: Back at Base’, Hamilton revealed even his own parents were unaware of the bombshell until its February 1st announcement.

On January 31st, Hamilton privately informed Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff of his decision over breakfast.

That morning, news of the impending announcement leaked. Later that evening, Mercedes and Ferrari coordinated formal statements confirming Hamilton’s blockbuster signing.

In Hamilton’s own words: “I didn't speak to anybody. I didn't tell my parents till the day of it being announced. So, no one knew. I really wanted to do it for myself. Ultimately, I had to find out what would be the best for me."

Enabling Hamilton’s exit

The contract Hamilton signed with Mercedes last summer was a one-year deal with a conditional second year option he could trigger. This flexibility allowed him to exit after 2024.

As Toto Wolff stated: “We're big boys, we knew that by signing a short-term contract, it could be of benefit for both sides. We couldn't commit for a longer period, and he's taken the option to exit.”

At 39 years of age, Hamilton was unsure how much longer he would continue racing: “Not really knowing how long I was going to race for, but knowing that I felt super driven and excited to continue to race.”

This uncertainty was a factor in structuring the contract to keep his future options open.

Behind the Scenes of the switch

According to Hamilton: “It happened very fast and basically, I have known Fred [Vasseur, Ferrari F1 boss] for a long time."

"And for me, I was excited for a new year, but not really knowing what the future would hold...The opportunity just popped up and I was like, 'OK, I've got to think for a second'."

"I didn't have a lot of time to think and I had to just go with my gut feeling and I decided to take the opportunity.”

He did not consult third parties, wanting to evaluate the offer independently: “I didn't speak to anybody. I really wanted to do it for myself. Ultimately, I had to find out what would be the best for me."

Hamilton’s outlook driving his decision

A key motivation was the hunger Hamilton still felt to race and take on new challenges, despite approaching his 40s as a veteran of 15 seasons.

The uncertainty around how many more years in F1 he had left him open to a surprise new chapter with the sport’s most iconic team like Ferrari rather than staying comfortable at Mercedes.

In the podcast, Hamilton compared himself to Tom Brady switching NFL teams in his 40s for fresh motivation that rejuvenated his career with further success.

Like Brady, Hamilton is embracing new adventures and risks to extend his relentless pursuit of world championships before considering retirement.

The bombshell switch promises to reignite Hamilton’s competitive fires after losing his F1 crown to Max Verstappen in 2021.

If he can lead Ferrari back to the pinnacle, it may cement his claim as the greatest F1 driver ever.