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Recently, Lewis Hamilton was asked to name his two ideal drivers if he were to form his own Formula 1 team. His answer, however, prompted a sharp reaction from another racing driver.
Hamilton's response to the hypothetical question was to pick two promising Mercedes-backed juniors: Kenzo Craigie and Doriane Pin. Both young drivers are on the rise in motorsport. Craigie, 14 years old, joined Mercedes last year following his success in the British karting scene. Meanwhile, Pin, 20, hails from France and has competed in both the F1 Academy and the World Endurance Championship.
When Hamilton made his choice, he said, "Kenzo and Doriane. She’s a badass. If I were to make a team… maybe one day I will… it’ll be diverse from the beginning."
Lewis Hamilton Prepares to Say Goodbye to Mercedes and Join Ferrari
As Hamilton reflects on his career, he’s preparing to bid farewell to Mercedes and join Ferrari in 2025. This transition marks the end of a remarkable 12-year journey with Mercedes, where Hamilton achieved unparalleled success, including six of his seven world titles.
Hamilton, 39, recently described the end of his tenure with Mercedes as emotional but acknowledged the struggles in his final season. "I don't think we're going to end up on a high," Hamilton admitted after finishing 12th in Qatar. He even asked Mercedes for permission to retire his car during the race due to penalties, a puncture, and ongoing issues with his performance.
His last race for Mercedes will be the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, bringing down the curtain on his groundbreaking partnership with the team. Hamilton’s seven world titles, all but one of which were won with Mercedes, solidified his place as one of F1’s greatest drivers.
A Difficult Farewell and a New Beginning with Ferrari
As Hamilton prepares to leave Mercedes, he reflects on the "amazing journey" that has shaped his career. "There’s many, many great moments. Moments with Niki, amazing conversations, arguments," he said, speaking fondly of Niki Lauda, the former F1 champion who played a pivotal role in bringing him to Mercedes before his passing in 2019.
Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari for the 2025 season has already made waves. He kept the news of his move a secret, even from his family, before revealing it earlier this year. Although his final season with Mercedes has been filled with challenges, including struggles with speed and performance, he expressed gratitude for the family-like atmosphere at the team.
Reflecting on the transition, Hamilton noted, "I can’t predict how I’m going to feel next Sunday after the race, or the days to follow, or at Christmas time." He emphasized the emotional complexity of leaving the team that had been his home for over a decade. Despite the struggles of his last season, Hamilton’s impact on F1 and his legacy as the sport's only Black driver is undeniable. His move to Ferrari represents a new chapter in his illustrious career, one full of anticipation and fresh challenges.
