Lewis Hamilton’s extraordinary journey with Mercedes Formula 1 concluded with a robust drive to finish fourth at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Having secured six drivers’ championships with the team during an era of unmatched success, Hamilton now shifts gears as he joins Ferrari for the upcoming season in pursuit of new heights.
A Golden Era Begins
Switching to Mercedes
When Hamilton made the unexpected move from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013, the transition marked the beginning of a new chapter. Despite Mercedes being in its developmental phase to becoming a racing powerhouse, Hamilton clinched his first victory with the team at the Hungarian Grand Prix in only his tenth race. This win equalled a record, making him the first British driver to secure a Mercedes win since Sir Stirling Moss. While 2013 saw only one win for Hamilton, the dominance was yet to come.
Conquering Silverstone
By 2014, Hamilton claimed his second world championship, which was the first of six with Mercedes. He dominated the British Grand Prix, initiating a streak of victories at Silverstone in subsequent seasons including 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021. As the victories lessened, his emotive win in 2024 at the British Grand Prix stood out, marking his ninth triumph at this iconic track and the penultimate victory with Mercedes.
Achieving the Impossible
Excluding Nico Rosberg’s 2016 title win, Hamilton epitomised candid supremacy at Mercedes. His seventh championship came in 2020, equalling Michael Schumacher’s record. Victory at the Turkish Grand Prix not only secured the title but elevated him above Schumacher in total race wins. “To all the kids out there, dream the impossible,” Hamilton radiated via team radio; his words resonating as he cemented his stature as the most accomplished driver in F1 history.
Facing Adversities
The Abu Dhabi Controversy
2021 saw Hamilton narrowly missing an eighth title that would have crowned him unquestionably the greatest F1 racer. However, an infamous showdown unfolded in Abu Dhabi as he and Max Verstappen were tied in points heading into the season’s climax. Controversy emerged when race director Michael Masi’s decisions led to Verstappen overtaking Hamilton in the race’s final moments. While legal threats ebbed away, Hamilton was left without another championship title.
A Lengthy Drought
After winning three of the final four races in 2021, Hamilton faced a 945-day, or 56-race drought before his next triumph at Silverstone in 2024. This victory became his last with Mercedes, albeit being handed a later win at the Belgian Grand Prix due to George Russell’s disqualification for an underweight car.
Saturday Struggles
Hamilton’s swan song season with Mercedes bore witness to his lowest in terms of points and standings, significantly outperformed by teammate George Russell. The disparity was most evident in qualifying, with Russell outpacing him 19-5 across the year. Hamilton frequently lamented his qualifying performances, notably stating in Qatar, “I’m definitely not fast anymore.” Ferrari will undoubtedly hope that this sentiment doesn’t follow him to their stable.
Hamilton’s saga with Mercedes closes as he embarks on a fresh journey with Ferrari. His enduring influence and pursuit of excellence set a precedent and offer a narrative of both triumph and resilience.
