Lewis Hamilton fumes with pain as to why he left his former to join Ferrari…

Lewis Hamilton’s aspiration to clinch an unprecedented eighth Formula 1 drivers’ championship motivated his decision to depart from Mercedes and join Ferrari. The seven-time world champion’s move to the Scuderia for the 2025 season, where he will become the highest-paid driver in F1 history, surprised Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff when Hamilton invoked a break clause in his contract in February.

Hamilton’s decision was influenced by his frustration with Mercedes’ current competitiveness, as the team has struggled to keep pace with rivals since his contentious loss at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021, where Max Verstappen emerged victorious. Verstappen’s subsequent dominance, with 39 race wins, further fueled Hamilton’s desire for a change, as he seeks fresh opportunities for success.

Hamilton expressed his deep emotional attachment to Mercedes, emphasizing that his departure was not driven by dissatisfaction or personal issues. In an interview with CBS ahead of the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, he highlighted the challenging journey of striving for success with the team. Despite enjoying the process of seeking improvements during tough times, Hamilton reached a point after three years where he felt it was time to pursue a return to winning ways.

Mercedes’ struggles with their W15 car have impacted Hamilton’s performance this season, with the 39-year-old sacrificing results in search of the optimal car setup. However, following the Miami GP, where he achieved his best result of the season with a sixth-place finish, Hamilton revealed the team’s collective desire for success amid a challenging period. He acknowledged the difficulties they faced, including moments of vulnerability, but also emphasized the unity and growth experienced within the team.