Lewis Hamilton could have moved to Ferrari sooner
Hamilton's shock 2025 Ferrari move comes after murmered interest in driving for F1's most storied team throughout his career.
After 16 hugely successful seasons and seven world championships with McLaren and Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton has shocked the Formula 1 world by announcing he will drive for Ferrari from 2025 onwards.
Though the move surprised many, murmurs of the Briton's desire to race in the iconic red cars have surfaced periodically throughout his career.
A joke with Piero Ferrari
Ironically, Hamilton's blockbuster switch to Ferrari comes just months after he extended his Mercedes contract till the end of 2025.
However, inside sources reveal his late inclusion of a termination clause ultimately paved the way for his Maranello move.
As Scuderia Ferrari Vice Chairman Piero Ferrari disclosed, Hamilton could have joined the Italian outfit long ag
o after his Mercedes contract expired in 2018.
"Lewis made a joke: if you waited twelve months I’d come..."
At the time, Ferrari chose to stick with Sebastian Vettel, whom they had just re-signed until 2020.
Their decision prompted a resigned Hamilton to publicly state he may never drive for Ferrari. Nonetheless, his recent contract machinations indicate he was quietly plotting an eventual move.
Why Hamilton Finally Made the Jump
Having conquered all with Mercedes, including Michael Schumacher's once-unassailable records, Hamilton likely saw Ferrari as his last unconquered frontier in F1.
The chance to replicate his success with the sport's most hallowed team seems too great to pass up this late in his career. Beyond just victory, Hamilton has long been enamored by Ferrari's rich racing heritage.
He admitted their enduring mystique and links to his childhood idol Ayrton Senna deeply appealed to him.
Hence, while surprising, his Ferrari defection is an almost poetic career bookend for the aging champion.
Implications for Mercedes and Ferrari
While Mercedes loses its talismanic leader, they still retain George Russell alongside new recruit Logan Sargeant for 2025.
However, Hamilton's departure nonetheless deals a reputational blow and raises questions regarding their formerly unchallenged dominance.
Meanwhile, Ferrari and new teammate Charles Leclerc get the best possible replacement for the Haas-bound Carlos Sainz.
With Hamilton slated as their veteran ace behind a maturing title contender in Leclerc, Ferrari's future prospects seem incredibly formidable.
Clearly, Hamilton's much-speculated Ferrari shift stands to shake up modern F1's established status quo severely.
Nonetheless, fans can take heart that the twilight of his glittering career promises to be just as captivating as its sensational peak.
For Hamilton, racing in Ferrari red presents the ultimate crowning glory - if he can lead them back to the pinnacle.
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