Lewis Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari in 2025

In the world of Formula 1, few names resonate as profoundly as Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari. In a way, the prospect of Hamilton joining Ferrari in 2025 is more than just an interesting change in the driver line-up; it marks a defining event in the history of motorsport, as it blends the prestige of a legendary team with the legacy of an iconic driver. Across the dimension of history, competitiveness, and commerciality, this potential move has immense significance across a wide range of dimensions.

Early Childhood and Karting Career

The name Lewis Hamilton became synonymous to British television when he appeared on the children's television program "Blue Peter" on. His first appearance was in 1996 when he was just 7 years old. During this early appearance, he showcased his karting skills, he took part in the miniature race for “Blue Peter Mini-Grand Prix.” Which after 3 laps, the young Lewis Hamilton won the race.

But for three years under the scope, Lewis Hamilton began his karting career in 1993 and quickly made a name for himself by winning races and cadet class championships. At the age of ten, in 1995, he became the youngest driver to win the British cadet karting championship. That same year, Hamilton approached McLaren Formula One team boss Ron Dennis at the Autosport Awards, seeking an autograph. He introduced himself confidently, saying, "Hi. I'm Lewis Hamilton. I won the British Championship and one day I want to be racing your cars." Impressed by Hamilton's determination, Dennis wrote in his autograph book, "Phone me in nine years, we'll sort something out then."

And from then on, it road the road to success for the young from Stevenage.

On February 28, 1998, a few months after Hamilton won his second Super One title and won the British championship, Ron Dennis called him to offer him a place in the McLaren driver development program. It is worth mentioning that Hamilton's contract included a clause allowing him to seek a Formula One seat in the future, making him the youngest driver ever to secure such a deal, which eventually led to him making his F1 debut.

After gaining his first race experience in Intercontinental A (1999), Hamilton moved up the ranks to compete in Formula A (2000), followed by Formula Super A (2001). Having achieved maximum points in the Euro Cup in 2000, he became the European Champion. During this time, he raced for TeamMBM.com alongside teammate Nico Rosberg, who would later join him in Formula One with the Williams and Mercedes teams.

Hamilton's karting successes did not go unnoticed. In 2000, the British Racing Drivers' Club recognized him as a "Rising Star" Member. The following year, Michael Schumacher made a one-off return to karting, competing against Hamilton and other future F1 drivers like Vitantonio Liuzzi and Nico Rosberg. Hamilton finished seventh in the final, four places behind Schumacher. Although they had limited interaction on the track, Schumacher praised the young Briton, acknowledging his talent and potential.

Michael Schumacher, the seven-time world champion, noticed Hamilton's potential early on. In 2001, he remarked, "He's a quality driver, very strong and only 16. If he keeps this up, I'm sure he will reach F1. It's something special to see a kid of his age out on the circuit. He's clearly got the right racing mentality."

Formula Three

Lewis Hamilton began his car racing career in the 2001 British Formula Renault Winter Series, finishing fifth overall. This performance led to a full 2002 campaign in the Formula Renault UK series with Manor Motorsport, where he again placed fifth. Hamilton stayed with Manor in 2003, winning the championship and then debuting in the British Formula 3 Championship season finale. In his first race, he suffered a puncture, and in the second, a collision with teammate Tor Graves sent him to the hospital.

When asked in 2002 about becoming one of the youngest Formula One drivers, Hamilton emphasised that his goal was to gain experience first and then prove his capabilities in F1. In 2004, he debuted in the Formula 3 Euro Series with Manor, finishing fifth in the championship. He also won the Bahrain F3 Superprix and competed twice in the Macau F3 Grand Prix.

Williams nearly signed Hamilton, but their engine supplier, BMW, declined to fund him, leading Hamilton to re-sign with McLaren. A significant disagreement between Hamilton's father, Anthony, and McLaren executive Martin Whitmarsh occurred at the end of the season, with Anthony pushing for a move to GP2 and Whitmarsh advocating for another year in Formula 3. This resulted in Whitmarsh tearing up Hamilton's contract, but six weeks later, Hamilton re-signed with McLaren.

Hamilton's first test for McLaren came in late 2004 at Silverstone. In 2005, he moved to ASM, the reigning Euro Series champions, and dominated the championship, winning 15 of 20 rounds. He also claimed victory at the Marlboro Masters of Formula 3 at Zandvoort. British magazine Autosport ranked him 24th in their "Top 50 Drivers of 2005" issue.

GP2

In 2006, Lewis Hamilton joined ART Grand Prix in the GP2 series, winning the championship in his debut season against rivals Nelson Piquet Jr. and Alexandre Prémat. He showcased his skill with a dominant win at the Nürburgring, despite a pit lane speeding penalty, and an impressive double overtake at Silverstone’s high-speed Becketts. At Istanbul, Hamilton recovered from a spin that dropped him to eighteenth, finishing second. He clinched the title under unique circumstances at Monza, inheriting the final point needed after Giorgio Pantano was stripped of the fastest lap.

Hamilton's GP2 success coincided with openings at McLaren after Juan Pablo Montoya left for NASCAR and Kimi Räikkönen moved to Ferrari. Following speculation about who would partner with defending champion Fernando Alonso in 2007, Hamilton was chosen over Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett. Informed of the decision in late September, the announcement was delayed for two months to avoid being overshadowed by Michael Schumacher's retirement news.

Formula 1

McLaren (2007–2012)

Lewis Hamilton debuted in Formula One with McLaren in 2007, partnering with two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso. In his first season, he quickly made an impact, securing his first win at the Canadian Grand Prix in just his sixth race. Hamilton finished on the podium in his debut and set several records, including most consecutive podium finishes from debut (9), most wins in a debut season (4), and most points in a debut season (09). Despite a season of tensions with Alonso, Hamilton narrowly missed the championship, finishing just one point behind Kimi Räikkönen.

2008: First World Championship

In 2008, Hamilton continued his success with five victories and ten podium finishes. His win at the British Grand Prix, where he finished over a minute ahead of second place, was particularly notable. The season culminated in a dramatic finale at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Hamilton clinched his first World Championship by overtaking Timo Glock on the final lap, becoming the youngest World Champion at the time and the first British champion since Damon Hill in 1996.

Source: www.flickr.com/photos/ph-stop/2565919432/in/photostream

2009-2012: Challenges and Consistency

Hamilton faced difficulties in 2009 with an underperforming McLaren car but still managed to secure two wins and finished fifth in the standings. In 2010, despite being in contention until the final race, he finished fourth as Sebastian Vettel took the title. The 2011 season saw Hamilton outscored by teammate Jenson Button and finish fifth, amidst personal challenges and on-track incidents. In 2012, Hamilton won four races but suffered from several mechanical failures, ultimately finishing fourth. He then announced a surprising move to Mercedes for the 2013 season.

Mercedes (2013–2024)

2013–2016: Rise to Dominance

Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013, reuniting with former karting teammate Nico Rosberg. He secured one win and finished fourth in the standings. The introduction of turbo-hybrid engines in 2014 marked the beginning of a dominant era for Mercedes. Hamilton won 11 races and his second World Championship in 2014, followed by a third title in 2015 with ten wins. The rivalry with Rosberg intensified, peaking in 2016 when Hamilton, despite more wins and poles, lost the title to Rosberg by five points.

2017–2020: Four Consecutive Titles

After Rosberg's retirement, Hamilton faced Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel in 2017 and 2018, winning both championships. In 2019, he secured his sixth title, and in 2020, he equalled Michael Schumacher’s record of seven championships. The 2020 season was notable for Hamilton breaking Schumacher’s record of 91 wins and his advocacy for social justice during the global pandemic.

2021–2024: So Close but Yet so Far

In 2021, Hamilton battled Max Verstappen, finishing second in the season finale at Abu Dhabi. In 2022, despite a challenging car, Hamilton set several records and finished sixth, outscoring new teammate George Russell. The 2023 season saw Hamilton back on form, finishing third overall and signing a two-year extension with Mercedes. However, before the 2024 season, he activated an exit clause, announcing his departure from Mercedes for a new challenge.

Hamilton’s final car with Mercedes, the W15, showcased a new design approach, marking the end of a remarkable era. His decision to leave was influenced by a desire for fresh challenges and a different work environment. And he was signing for Ferrari for 2025.

Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025

Source: gpfans.com/en/f1-news/

Following months of rumours and speculation during the 2023 season, it was confirmed just before the start of the 2024 Formula One season that Lewis Hamilton would be joining Ferrari in 2025 on a multi-year contract, taking over from Carlos Sainz Jr. Hamilton shared that racing for Ferrari had been a lifelong ambition of his. This move marks a significant shift in Hamilton's career, as it will be the first time he competes in Formula One without a Mercedes-powered car, ending his record streak of most consecutive seasons driving for a single constructor.

And now the seven-time world champion is still hungry for another world championship and hopes to claim his eighth title with the Scarlet Red team.