15 days to go before the $400 million transfer: this F1 champion is about to face the greatest pressure of his 18-year career

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Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari is just days away! After 12 years with Mercedes and six world titles, the Briton is making a move to the most successful team in history.

However, many are questioning: is this really a good idea? Between renewed motivation, ultimate ambition, and challenges to face, let’s delve into the details of the transfer of the century.

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Hamilton at Ferrari: A dream come true

At 39, Lewis Hamilton has nothing left to prove in F1. Yet, after several seasons without a significant victory—except for his home win at the British GP this year—his move to Ferrari seems to answer a lingering question: can he still chase an eighth world title? According to Hamilton, the answer is clear. Ferrari offers him a unique chance to rekindle his passion for racing. The seven-time world champion even describes it as a “dream”: joining the Scuderia, the most legendary team in Formula 1. This transfer is far from trivial. Since the end of 2021, when Hamilton lost the title in a highly controversial finish in Abu Dhabi, Mercedes has struggled to regain its dominance. Despite his consistency and commitment, Lewis seems to have hit a ceiling in a team that lacks pace compared to Red Bull. Ferrari, on the other hand, represents hope. Even though the Italians haven’t clinched the constructors’ trophy since 2008, Hamilton’s arrival could be the catalyst they need to return to the top.

Lewis Hamilton 2024 Qatar GP - © Jiri Krenek
Lewis Hamilton 2024 Qatar GP – © Jiri Krenek

Toto Wolff: Hamilton becomes “more complete” each year

Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, has always supported his star driver. Although their partnership is coming to an end, Wolff doesn’t hide his admiration for Hamilton, whom he describes as “more complete than ever.” Since joining Mercedes in 2013, Hamilton has evolved both on and off the track. His driving skills are unquestionable, but it’s his personal development that impresses. According to Wolff, this relentless self-improvement is what makes him “the greatest of all time.” This growth will be a major asset for Ferrari. Integrating into a new team, especially one as unique as the Scuderia, requires exceptional adaptability. Hamilton, drawing from his past experiences, seems ready to take on the challenge. He proved it in 2013 when he left McLaren for Mercedes against all odds. At the time, many criticized this choice, which ultimately became one of the most brilliant decisions of his career. Perhaps we’ll witness a similar scenario with Ferrari.

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A 2025 season marked by adaptation

While the announcement of this transfer is exciting, the reality is more complex. Ferrari hasn’t always been consistent in recent years. With strategic errors and reliability issues, the Scuderia still needs to prove it’s ready to fight for the title, despite showing promise this season. Additionally, Hamilton will have to adapt to an entirely new environment, where the pressure from the tifosi and the team itself can quickly become overwhelming. In Italy, F1 is political! Nevertheless, Hamilton remains confident. He knows this change won’t be easy, but he’s prepared to “start from scratch” and build new relationships. By joining Ferrari, Lewis is taking a risk, but that’s also what makes this choice so thrilling. As he mentioned, “this leap of faith is exhilarating.” And if anyone can bring the Scuderia back to the pinnacle, it’s him.

This article explores Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025. With renewed motivation, continuous growth praised by Toto Wolff, and the challenges awaiting him at the Scuderia, Hamilton embarks on an ambitious new chapter. Time will tell if this daring move will lead him to an eighth title and further cement his legacy in Formula 1 history

Images: © Mercedes Benz archives

Adrien Conges
Adrien Conges
I grew up near Magny-Cours, an old Formula 1 circuit in France so I've been passionate about motorsport and automobiles since childhood. I currently live in Bordeaux, France and I'm still waiting for Ferrari to win a 17th F1 constructors' title.

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