Hamilton hasn’t even told his parents about his move to Ferrari
Although the decision to move to Ferrari had been taken some time ago, Lewis Hamilton chose not to tell his parents straight away. However, the transfer was announced earlier than expected due to leaks in the paddock, forcing Lewis Hamilton's parents to discover the news in the media.
The news broke on the morning of February 1st, a day after Lewis Hamilton informed the Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff, during breakfast: the seven-time champion will join Ferrari for the start of the 2025 season. As the story leaked first, Mercedes and Ferrari did not officially confirm this surprising change until they had coordinated their announcements later in the evening.
Hamilton said that he had not informed his parents before that same day. Speaking as part of the new BBC podcast series, “F1: Back at Base,” narrated by Joseph Fiennes, the driver revealed: “I didn’t talk to anyone. I didn’t even tell my parents until the day of the announcement. So, no one knew. I really wanted to do it for myself. In the end, I had to figure out what would be best for me.”
Hamilton’s departure, which will mark the end of a 12-year period at Mercedes, was made possible by an extension of contract he signed last summer. What seemed like a simple two-year agreement was actually a one-year fixed-term contract with an option for an additional 12 months. This possibility was pushed by Mercedes, with Wolff stating at the time of the departure announcement: « We are adults, we knew that by signing a short-term contract, it could benefit both parties. We could not commit to a longer period, and he chose the option to leave.”
Hamilton added: « It happened very quickly and, in fact, I have known Fred [Vasseur, Ferrari F1 team principal] for a long time. And for me, I was excited for a new year, but without really knowing what the future held for me and without really knowing how long I would keep racing, but knowing that I felt super motivated and excited to continue racing. The opportunity just presented itself, and I thought, ‘OK, I need to think for a moment.’ I didn’t have much time to think and had to follow my instinct, and I decided to seize the opportunity. »
Frédéric Vasseur was indeed Lewis Hamilton’s manager when he was in Formula 2 with ART GP. He has since become the head of Scuderia Ferrari, and the French manager has been trying to recruit Lewis Hamilton for several months, jokingly.
This change marks a major turning point in Hamilton’s career and in the Formula 1 landscape, with repercussions that will be felt well beyond the 2025 season.
