Lewis Hamilton didn’t even tell his family that he was working on a fairytale move to Ferrari, as revealed by his father, Anthony. The seven-time world champion is entering his 12th season as a Mercedes driver, but he will be swapping Brackley for Maranello come the end of the year after agreeing to one of the most surprising transfers in F1 history.
Hamilton looked set to end his glittering F1 career with long-time partners Mercedes after putting pen to paper on a two-year contract extension partway through the 2023 season. However, following a lacklustre end to the campaign, he opted to activate an exit clause and switch allegiances to Ferrari for 2025 and beyond.
Not only was the move a spectacular one, it was nearly unthinkable just 24 hours prior to being announced. On the morning of February 1st, reports emerged suggesting that the sensational switch was nearing completion, taking the motorsport community by surprise. The transfer was then officially announced by Mercedes and Ferrari that evening.
“Kind of, yes,” Anthony told Viaplay when asked whether the Mercedes star had kept his talks with Ferrari secret. “The thing is, it’s his business. I always have an inkling that I know what’s going on, but it’s his deal and it was his decision.”
Hamilton’s father later added: “Yes, [the move is] part of my dream, part of his dream. You know, it’s one of those things that when you’re a young kid, you always dream of racing for Ferrari. And we love all of the past teams, McLaren and Mercedes, but it’s the ultimate dream to be in a red car.”
Describing his thought process at the time, he explained: “I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined Mercedes in 2013. I know some people didn’t understand it at the time, but I was right to make the move then and it’s the feeling I have again now.
“I’m excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together. However, right now, I’m not thinking about 2025. My focus is on the upcoming season and getting back out on track with Mercedes.
“I am more driven than ever, I am fitter and more focused than ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again. I am 100 per cent committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high.”
