Lewis Hamilton sent the F1 World into a frenzy after announcing a shocking switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season. He exercised the exit clause of the two-year extension contract with Mercedes to fulfill his childhood dream of driving a red car. However, many cannot still fathom the sudden and historic change.
Lewis Hamilton has been with Mercedes for the past decade. Despite his recent struggles, the Briton never lost hope and seemed determined to end his racing career with Silver Arrows. However, something went wrong behind the curtain, which left many fans and analysts confused, including Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko.
Helmut Marko Suspects A Fallout With Mercedes Behind Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Switch
Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko reacted to Lewis Hamilton’s historic switch to Ferrari for the first time while speaking to OE24. He said that, just like everyone, he was also taken aback by the sudden change of events. Moreover, the timing of the switch took Marko by surprise. He suspects that perhaps Lewis Hamilton saw some weakness in Mercedes, which the outside world is being made unaware of. The Red Bull veteran further explained his point, saying how Ferrari and McLaren beat the Silver Arrows in the second half of the 2023 season. Perhaps Mercedes’ repeated struggle prompted Hamilton to seek a better opportunity elsewhere. However, Helmut Marko bluntly said that Lewis’ career moves do not even remotely affect Red Bull by any means.
Not only that, Marko has doubts that Lewis Hamilton’s addition will strengthen Ferrari in the long run. “Overall, this has an incredible impact, right down to the stock market prices. It’s great that something is happening,” said Marko. Lewis Hamilton will bid farewell to Mercedes by the end of the 2024 F1 season. In a detailed statement, he said how he always wanted to drive for the red team before calling it quits on his highly successful racing career. Moreover, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff refuted speculations of any rift and said that he understands Hamilton’s mindset of wanting to try different things towards the final stretch of his career. Their association was great while it lasted, but he knew that he would cease to exist someday. Thus, by the looks of it, it does not seem Lewis and Mercedes had a fallout. But the true picture will only be revealed once Hamilton officially speaks up.
Lewis Hamilton Committed To Finishing Mercedes Tenure On A High!
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton made his first public appearance at the W15 car launch after the shocking Ferrari move. He had nothing but only good things to say about Mercedes. Lewis recalled how being with the organization for these many years has been a surreal feeling.
Not only that, Lewis Hamilton said finishing the Mercedes tenure with a championship would be a perfect fairy tale ending. And he would strive for the same during the upcoming season. Mercedes unveiled the 2024 F1 season challenger, W15, on Wednesday. And pre-season testing will commence later this month in Bahrain.
Stay tuned to Sports News International for more such news and updates about Mercedes and your favorite F1 team.