Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari for the 2025 season has been one of the most talked-about stories in Formula 1. A key factor enabling this transition was Mercedes’ decision to offer Hamilton only a firm one-year contract for the 2024 season, with an option for a second year. This flexibility allowed the seven-time world champion to activate an exit clause, paving the way for his switch to Maranello, announced on February 1, 2024. Mercedes, in turn, has turned to its 18-year-old prodigy, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, to fill Hamilton’s shoes.
Toto Wolff’s Perspective on Hamilton’s Future
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff shed light on the reasoning behind the short-term contract in Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane, a book released in November 2023. “There’s a reason why we only signed a one-plus-one-year contract,” Wolff explained. “We’re in a sport where cognitive sharpness is extremely important, and I believe everyone has a shelf life. So I need to look at the next generation.”
Wolff later clarified that his comments were “taken a little bit out of context,” but Hamilton, unbothered yet firm in his response, rejected the notion that age could diminish his capabilities.
Hamilton’s Unwavering Drive
“Don’t ever compare me to anybody else,” Hamilton told Time Magazine. “I’m the first and only black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey. You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula 1 driver in history. Because they are nothing like me. I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning. That’s my No. 1 priority.”
Hamilton’s determination is undeniable, but history shows that success for drivers in their 40s is rare in Formula 1. Over the past four decades, only eight drivers have competed in their 40s, with just three in the 21st century. Nigel Mansell, at 41, was the last driver in his 40s to win a race, claiming victory at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher, at 43, secured pole position at the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix, though a grid penalty from the previous race cost him the top spot.
Hamilton vs. Alonso: Age and Performance
Interestingly, Hamilton isn’t even the oldest driver on the current grid. That title belongs to 43-year-old Fernando Alonso, who continues to lead Aston Martin’s efforts. However, with teammate Lance Stroll not considered a reliable benchmark, assessing whether Alonso’s age has impacted his performance remains challenging.
At pre-season testing in Bahrain, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur praised Hamilton’s motivation, noting that the veteran displayed the same enthusiasm typically seen in rookies. After more than a decade with Mercedes, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari seems to have rejuvenated him.
A Challenging 2024 Season
Despite his legendary status, Hamilton faced one of his most difficult seasons with Mercedes in 2024. While his race pace remained strong, he was outqualified by teammate George Russell in 24 out of 30 sessions (including sprint qualifying)—his worst record to date. This has raised questions about whether Hamilton can reclaim his dominance and secure a record-breaking eighth world title.
The Road to an Eighth Title
The 2025 season promises to be highly competitive, with McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes all expected to be frontrunners. Hamilton remains confident in his ability to rise to the challenge.
“I know exactly where the North Star is,” Hamilton said. “I know where I need to go. I know how to get there. It’s far, and it’s going to be tough to get there, but I know I’ve got all the ingredients, all the people, an amazing team around me. So it’s how much you want it. And I can’t express to you how much I want it.”
Hamilton’s hunger for success shows no signs of waning. “What I can tell you is, retirement is nowhere on my radar,” he added. “I could be here until I’m 50, who knows?”
As Hamilton embarks on this new chapter with Ferrari, the F1 world will be watching closely to see if he can defy the odds and cement his legacy as the sport’s greatest driver.
