Lewis Hamilton’s final chapter with the Mercedes F1 team didn’t unfold as either the driver or team had envisioned after a legendary 12-year partnership.
Over the past three seasons, Mercedes has struggled to consistently compete at the front, a far cry from their once-dominant form. Hamilton managed two victories in 2024—at Silverstone and Spa—but only added three more podium finishes to his tally throughout the year, marking one of his least successful campaigns.
Despite the challenges, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur remains optimistic about Lewis Hamilton’s capabilities. However, whispers of uncertainty seem to linger within the seven-time Formula 1 world champion himself, a rare instance for a driver of his stature. While the British driver has occasionally exhibited self-doubt, he has repeatedly silenced critics by proving why he’s regarded as one of Formula 1’s all-time greats.
Racing analyst and former driver Justin Bell offers advice to Lewis Hamilton
Justin Bell, speaking on the *Drive to Wynn Podcast*, weighed in on Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming transition to Ferrari following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Bell urged Hamilton to shed any lingering self-doubt and focus on confidence as he begins this new chapter.
The Abu Dhabi weekend was a microcosm of Lewis Hamilton’s tumultuous 2024 Formula 1 campaign. A costly error in the qualifying session at the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island saw him collide with a bollard, but the Brit bounced back with a remarkable drive to claim fourth place in the race—a testament to his enduring talent and determination: “I want to quickly talk about Mercedes, obviously, especially Lewis Hamilton and his run to fourth place. It was such a strong finish, amazing drive from P16.” – explained the British race car driver, who after a successful career behind the wheel, transitioned into the media world – “I hope as we go into next year, we get rid of some of his sometimes, I think self-defacing comments like, ‘I’m not fast anymore. I haven’t got it.’ I think he just gets so tough on himself. Imagine, you are the most successful Formula 1 driver in history and you’re qualifying 16th. I know he had a bollard under the car and things which he picked up.” – he added.
“But I think for Lewis, definitely at the end of the race, you could see that emotion, that stunning overtake on George Russell on the final lap to take fourth place. It was on Instagram yesterday, someone from the crowd had a different angle and just seeing the fluid speed holding it in. I’ve said it all the way along, I think he’s going to go into Ferrari like an old dog with a new puppy to play with. He will be ready to go.” – Justin Bell pointed out.
Lewis Hamilton needs to make a strong start with Ferrari to dispel any lingering doubts
Hamilton was unable to participate in Ferrari’s post-season testing in Abu Dhabi due to sponsorship obligations with Mercedes.
Having now bid farewell to his longtime team, Hamilton is set to travel to Maranello in January to begin preparations for the 2025 campaign. Charles Leclerc is expected to be a formidable teammate for Hamilton, particularly given concerns over the Briton’s one-lap performance.
This season, Lewis Hamilton has been overshadowed in qualifying by George Russell, while Charles Leclerc is widely regarded as Formula 1’s fastest qualifier. Moreover, the Monegasque driver is far more familiar with the nuances of racing for Ferrari, whereas Lewis Hamilton will face a period of adjustment as he integrates into the team.
Early conditions are likely to favor Charles Leclerc, meaning the seven-time F1 world champion must have unwavering confidence in his ability to match or surpass his new Maranello teammate as he tackles this next chapter of his Formula 1 career.
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