Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton revealed on Wednesday that he had seriously considered parting ways with Mercedes following an arduous race in Brazil earlier this month.
The 39-year-old British driver, renowned as the sport’s most accomplished competitor, is set to make a significant change by joining Ferrari at the conclusion of the current season. During the Sao Paulo race, he alluded to the possibility of an earlier departure from the team over team radio, igniting speculation among fans and analysts alike.
Mercedes downplayed his comments, suggesting they were directed at team members who would not participate in the remaining three races of the season. However, Hamilton clarified his sentiments to reporters at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, asserting that his remarks held deeper significance.
“In that moment, I truly felt like I didn’t want to return after that weekend,” he admitted. “But I think that’s only natural. It’s frustrating when you endure a season like this, which I’m confident I will not repeat, or at least I’ll strive to avoid it.”
Hamilton finished a disappointing 10th place in Brazil, while his teammate George Russell managed to secure a 4th place finish. He lamented the experience, labeling it “a disaster of a weekend,” claiming it was the worst performance he had ever witnessed from the car.
He had finished 11th in the Saturday sprint
“If this is the last opportunity I have to perform, it’s regrettable that it wasn’t great, but I am still grateful for my time,” Hamilton expressed over the radio.
Amidst this turbulent period, Hamilton was questioned on Wednesday regarding remarks made by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff in a recently published book. Wolff’s comments addressed his driver’s “shelf life” and suggested that Hamilton’s upcoming move to Ferrari would alleviate the need for the team to make potentially difficult personnel decisions regarding him.
Wolff later clarified that his comments were misconstrued. Hamilton, responding to the media, declared, “Honestly, I feel in the best place I’ve been all year mentally, and considering how troubling the last race was, I think that speaks volumes.”
“I’m still present, still fighting, and I’m committed to pushing forward. I have a team that I sincerely still cherish, and even as I prepare to leave, I aim to give them my best throughout the remaining races.”
“If they deliver a car that stays on track, then I am hopeful we’ll achieve a better result,” the British driver concluded. (Writing by Alan Baldwin)
What factors influenced Lewis Hamilton’s decision to move to Ferrari at this stage in his career?
**Interview with F1 Expert James Thompson on Lewis Hamilton’s Future with Ferrari**
**Editor:** Today, we have F1 analyst James Thompson with us to discuss the recent developments surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s imminent move to Ferrari and his candid remarks following the Brazilian Grand Prix. James, thank you for joining us.
**James:** Thanks for having me. It’s an exciting time in Formula 1!
**Editor:** Let’s dive right in. Lewis Hamilton openly expressed his contemplation about leaving Mercedes after the challenging race in Brazil. How significant do you think those comments were?
**James:** Hamilton’s comments were quite telling. While they initially seemed like a moment of frustration, they highlight the larger pressures he faces at 39 years old in an increasingly competitive environment. When he said he “didn’t want to return after that weekend,” it signaled that he might be at a crossroads in his career, one that a lot of seasoned athletes confront as they approach retirement or consider new challenges [[1](https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-announces-hamilton-split-ahead-of-ferrari-move-for-f1-2025/10571396/)].
**Editor:** Right, and it’s fascinating to see him switching to Ferrari, one of F1’s most storied teams. What led Hamilton to consider such a significant change, especially at this stage in his career?
**James:** It’s a bold move for sure. Ferrari represents a fresh opportunity; they’re a team with a rich heritage and a passionate fan base. Joining Ferrari could reignite Hamilton’s competitive spirit and potentially give him a chance to win more races and titles before he hangs up his helmet. Additionally, he might be seeking new motivation after a long stint with Mercedes, where he has achieved everything possible [[1](https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-announces-hamilton-split-ahead-of-ferrari-move-for-f1-2025/10571396/)].
**Editor:** Mercedes downplayed Hamilton’s comments, indicating they were specifically about team personnel not participating in the final races. Do you think this was an attempt to manage his narrative?
**James:** Absolutely. Mercedes likely aimed to minimize any potential drama and reassure fans about the stability of their team. However, Hamilton’s clarification that his remarks had deeper meanings suggests he felt a strong connection to the frustrations experienced that weekend. It indicates that there is more going on beneath the surface than just a passing comment [[1](https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-announces-hamilton-split-ahead-of-ferrari-move-for-f1-2025/10571396/)].
**Editor:** Looking ahead, how do you see this transition impacting Hamilton’s legacy as well as Ferrari’s competitiveness in the upcoming seasons?
**James:** If he performs well at Ferrari, it could enhance his legacy significantly. Winning with Ferrari is a dream for many drivers, including Hamilton, and achieving success there would solidify his status as arguably the greatest of all time. For Ferrari, having a champion like Hamilton could provide the boost they need to compete at the highest level consistently. It’s a mutually beneficial partnership that, if successful, could reshape the landscape of Formula 1 [[1](https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-announces-hamilton-split-ahead-of-ferrari-move-for-f1-2025/10571396/)].
**Editor:** Thank you, James, for sharing your insights on this thrilling development in F1. We’ll be sure to keep a close watch on Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari in the 2025 season.
**James:** Thank you! It’s going to be an exciting chapter in Formula 1 history.