In a stunning twist, Lewis Hamilton will trade Mercedes silver for Ferrari red in 2025, a decision that reportedly took little convincing. According to Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur, the move was practically written in the stars. Hamilton, who shocked the F1 world in February by announcing his departure from Mercedes, was swayed not just by Ferrari’s legacy but by his deep-rooted relationship with Vasseur.
“It wasn’t difficult actually,” Vasseur told Gazzetta dello Sport. “Ferrari has always been in his thoughts, and now the stars have aligned. He comes to win, not on vacation, and I’m convinced that we have everything to try.”
Hamilton’s Ferrari fascination runs deep, inspired by the dominance of his childhood hero Michael Schumacher. “Growing up watching Michael in his prime, every driver probably wonders what it’d be like to be in that red cockpit,” Hamilton shared. “Going to the Italian Grand Prix, seeing the sea of red Ferrari fans—you can’t help but be in awe.”
But it wasn’t just nostalgia pulling Hamilton to Maranello; it was also the opportunity to work with Vasseur again. Their bond dates back to 2006, when Vasseur managed Hamilton’s GP2 team. Hamilton praised Vasseur’s influence, saying, “Our relationship started with amazing success in Formula 3 and GP2, and we’ve kept in touch ever since. I knew he’d make an incredible team manager.”
Hamilton’s decision to activate an exit clause in his Mercedes contract came as a surprise, given his emotional connection to the German team, where he captured six of his seven championships. But Ferrari’s allure and the chance to take on the iconic team’s “huge challenge” were irresistible. Ferrari hasn’t won a Constructors’ title since 2008, and Hamilton now sees himself as the catalyst to reignite Ferrari’s glory days.
As the F1 world anticipates Hamilton in Ferrari red alongside Charles Leclerc, all eyes are on 2025. Will Hamilton’s legacy with Ferrari echo Schumacher’s? For Hamilton, it’s a dream come true; for Ferrari, it’s a shot at reclaiming greatness.