Lewis Hamilton’s legendary career at Mercedes may have come to an end, but his legacy continues to reverberate within the team. Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ Trackside Engineering Director, recently opened up about Hamilton’s unique approach to racing, crediting the seven-time champion’s “phobia of losing” as a driving force behind the team’s unparalleled success.
The Lewis Factor: A Relentless Drive for Perfection
In an interview with The New York Times, Shovlin reflected on Hamilton’s impact during his 11-season tenure with Mercedes, during which the team claimed six Drivers’ titles and eight Constructors’ Championships. According to Shovlin, Hamilton’s unmatched work ethic set the tone for the entire organization.
“He’s committed to success, as we all are, and in a team, that’s what you would ask of everybody,” Shovlin said. “But Lewis has got his own—it’s almost like a phobia of losing that drives his work ethic. And that’s great because when you get a driver who brings that to the team, they are endlessly pushing, endlessly wanting to improve.”
While most elite drivers despise losing, Shovlin suggested Hamilton’s reaction to setbacks stood out, even among the sport’s elite.
“It is the work and the worry that that triggers within Lewis that I think sets him apart from most others,” Shovlin explained. “No good drivers like losing—they all hate it. That’s absolutely standard. But Lewis is the only driver I can think of where it manifests itself to such a degree.”
A New Era Without Hamilton
As Hamilton begins his journey with Ferrari, Mercedes faces a transformative season in 2025. Rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, hailed as a rising star, steps into Hamilton’s vacated seat, joining George Russell, who is now a seasoned driver in his own right. The duo will look to redefine Mercedes’ future while carrying forward the high standards Hamilton set.
Shovlin believes the team’s strong foundation, shaped by Hamilton’s influence, will serve them well as they adapt to a new driver lineup.
Hamilton’s Legacy: Beyond Numbers
Hamilton’s legacy is not only defined by his record-breaking statistics but also by the culture of excellence he inspired within Mercedes. From his meticulous preparation to his unwavering determination, the Briton’s approach elevated the team to historic heights.
As Shovlin aptly summarized: “When you have a driver like that, the energy and motivation they bring are infectious. That’s something that changes the game for the entire team.”
The Future at Ferrari
Meanwhile, Hamilton is embarking on a new chapter at Scuderia Ferrari, where he’ll aim to bring the iconic team back to championship glory. With Charles Leclerc as his teammate, the partnership promises to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 season.
As Mercedes turns the page and Ferrari embraces its new star, the sport enters a thrilling new era where Hamilton’s influence will undoubtedly continue to shape the narrative—both on and off the track.