Lewis Hamilton's stunning Ferrari F1 switch explained

[@deeptigyaksh6896]

2024 is just a filler episode before 2025 now 😭

[@milol.akkaraprud8681]

bro😭😭😭

[@benjarsenault]

F1 2023 season 2

[@gpaje]

Really filler until 2026, when all the new cars and biggest chance for teams to overcome Red Bull.

[@shmazy86]

It definitely seems that way even before this move

[@angel_one1259]

Why? He is just another driver who is near retirement and would do no better than Vettel or Alonso in a Ferrari

[@harambethegorilla6361]

Hamilton: “My tires are done.” Ferrari: “We are checking.”

[@thekingslayer5575]

At least his tyres will be done for real this time.

[@Čangrizavi_Cinik]

Ok, tires are on the plan C, our fuel strategy is a plan F.... Your goals should be Plan Z. You are happy with that, yes-no?

[@felipegalvaodossantosgalva3796]

​@@Čangrizavi_Cinikcombustível!. Ninguém faz parada pra combustível lezado. Se informa sió ferrari já despachou o péssimo estrategista

[@ngotrongkhue]

this caught me off guard 🤣🤣

[@TillTheLightTakesUs]

Statement is wrong because Lewis can do any GP with any set of tires without ever going into pit if he wants. He'd never say it.

[@karlosdelacruz3803]

I feel like this is more a decision based on where he wants to finish his career and motivating himself with a fresh challenge, rather than a vote of no confidence in Mercedes. But we shall see.

[@limatngho9428]

Why pander to Hamilton?? He hasn't won a race in 2 years?? Poor Ferrari, after shooting themselves in the feet so many times how do they stand up??

[@Lick-My-Salty-Balls]

Yeah, Lewis wants one more championship. Still shocking news tho

[@Peachrocks5]

Possibly but it's also possible Lewis once again knows something we don't. The move to Mercedes from McLaren looked absolutely suicidal at the time or a sideways step at extreme best but that move proved to be brilliant. Not only did Mercedes dominant one year after the move, McLaren went absolutely backwards. It could have been dumb luck and let's be honest, Lewis is by far the luckiest driver on the grid, he is the only one on the grid to have never been in a car lower then third in the constructors and usually first or second. Everyone else has driven a car that has been at least seventh or worse at least once. However maybe it wasn't luck. Maybe he had good insight into both teams and just knew things we could not possibly know. Or maybe it's just because he feels like it. Time will tell but it'll be funny if Mercedes suddenly falls apart the same way McLaren did.

[@kaiworleyphotography]

Nah, Hamilton would have loved to stay and win with Mercedes. This is 100% a vote of no confidence in Mercedes.

[@e01nerv]

@@Peachrocks5 move to Merc isn't as huge of a "risk" given the McLaren was on a downhill and it's not a secret they have been developing PU for years. Add Niki Lauda and Ross Brawn on the negotiation table, Merc was actually a convincing move for LH with a powerhouse at the helm.

[@SongShiyu]

2026: Toto wolff replaces fred vasssuer as the team principal of Ferrari.😂😂😂

[@JDeadwyler]

@SongShiyu Bro Toto’s eyes is on being the head guy of F1 and he does have the support of other teams to do so.

[@remek5758]

@@JDeadwyler he would need to get rid of stock from mercedes first

[@brandonb.288]

😂😂😂

[@dorgeshuun]

Mama Mia Lewis, just drive ze car

[@neXib]

Given that he owns a lot of the Mercedes team that would be big :P

[@ktbeatty]

This is being so over analyzed. Two years ago, before he re-upped with Mercedes, I was positive he would move to Ferrari. It took a little longer, but it happened. It's a simple as Lewis Hamilton, who is very much an image focused athlete (fashion, marketing, etc.), wanting to have a run with the most iconic name in F1 before calling it quits. It's about Ferrari, it's place in racing history, not a referendum on Mercedes. He could have pulled an Alonso and do something like he did to Alpine, but he gave Mercedes a full year to prepare. If he was unhappy with Toto, Mercedes, didn't like George, etc he wouldn't, nearing age 40, give another full year of his career to the team before making the switch. He spent the entire prime of his career with Mercedes, won more titles for them than any driver has for any team in history, and gave them a full year's notice before finishing the end of his career with the sports most famous name, but is "selfish and ruthless." Ok.

[@andy-james-]

George Russell is already working on a "Moving forward with George" PowerPoint presentation to calm Toto down.

[@sports2hedz542]

Lol omg the mental image of that is hilarious

[@antoniohagopian213]

The only one holding the team is leaving. Femboi team

[@Switll72]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@cfigueroacastro]

Consistency is 🔑

[@elosobratto3802]

@@antoniohagopian213 holding down the team*

[@Dynamacrtm]

My take is simply that Lewis will retire in 3 years or so and he just wanted to drive a Ferrari to end his career. He's talked about the fact that everyone wants to drive a Ferrari and it would be a miss if he didn't get a chance. Now Ferrari is no worse than Mercedes so it's a perfect change to fulfill everything he wanted from F1

[@Čangrizavi_Cinik]

If he could win a single win in a Ferrari and that was maybe Monza - he could retire all together.

[@suckieduckie]

Agreed, this seems more like a bucket list first and a possible 8th WDC second rather than the other way around.

[@mabozar15]

I don't agree. Sainz isn't losing his job just because Hamilton wants to feel nostalgic

[@joshuak8982]

Pretty good take ngl, gets to race for the legendary Ferrari, old manager with Fred there, and Ferrari does give him a better chance at winning his 8th

[@miguelpfeffermann]

Yeah but no chance he would’ve went if he was confident Mercedes would be competitive again in the near future.

[@KO8ESITO]

Waiting for Bono to announce he’ll be signing with Ferrari for 2025 😂

[@rych7852]

I have no doubt certain Mercedes staff will be going to Maranello over the next 12-18months!

[@glockmat]

Im half doubting that either Hamilton will take half of the team or she will become a laughing stock, because Ferrari is a laughing stock

[@DumahBrazorf]

And Angela Cullen...

[@harry4454]

​@@DumahBrazorfisn't she already left last year from being working with him

[@SFlare]

This will age so well

[@Ikcatcher]

It’s so funny to see that one pic of Hamilton sitting in the 2024 car and then this getting announced

[@JackV-tw8bw]

He looked like he was having nightmares of his back hurting from porpoising for another year in a slow car

[@ferrariallday6553]

@@JackV-tw8bw Yup I guess this year's merc isn't good again

[@fay-yaazahmed833]

Time for Hakkinen to end his sabbatical.

[@FluxStage]

The radio conversations are going to be the absolute best. Lewis vs Ferrari strategy team.

[@fraveglie1]

Hamilton will 100% take Bono and a whole lot of other useful engineers with him.

[@douglasberg2881]

​@@fraveglie1what if they dont feel like moving their lifes to Italy?

[@fraveglie1]

@@douglasberg2881 🙄

[@finndegraaf2707]

They basically live on the road more than half the year so how much of a difference would it make

[@douglasberg2881]

@@finndegraaf2707 well i think it would make a great difference, going from home to the factory in the same country rather than going across half of Europe. And then going to the race in occasion.

[@Yay4IamCute]

Toto Wolf's therapist will overheat.

[@MetikalMan]

Suzie?

[@Yay4IamCute]

@@MetikalMan I have no idea who, but they will face Totonator at ultra high settings.

[@celestia277]

​@@Yay4IamCutepretty sure suzie is toto's wife

[@ryancuda45]

@@celestia277 she is his therapist for sure. toto is a hot head and only she can proly calm him down when lewis causes drama in the team

[@mabozar15]

Toto did say he wouldn't do it for long and I'll predict he is next

[@jonathanslimm2727]

Andretti being denied entry into F1 is the biggest off season story. Ferrai/Hamilton: Hold my beer.

[@giovannip8600]

Why tho?

[@Jhin224]

@@giovannip8600cause it’s a Ferrari! 😂

[@MLGadventuersinfinance101]

450 mil for 2 years

[@MLGadventuersinfinance101]

450 mill 2 years@@giovannip8600

[@adrianbrown4369]

😂😂😂😂 facts

[@thaunghtetsoe7190]

Carlos Saintz is like "why is no one talking about me? I am being replaced out of blue".

[@youbetu18]

Happens when you are like the 7th best driver on the grid.

[@PazLeBon]

id say hamilton s 7th

[@MostlyLoveOfMusic]

harsh on Sainz

[@easyenetwork2023]

Be embarrassing to be replaced by a 39 year old driver.

[@JMurph2015]

​@@youbetu187th might even be generous, lots of good drivers out there

[@OldStreetDoc]

I doubt this has anything at all to do with the strength of the Merc vs the Ferrari. It comes down to ‘every driver wants to be a Ferrari driver’ at some point. He only has a few years left (most likely), so now would be the time.

[@implive17]

So his not moving to Ferrari for a better chance of winning his 8th title but more for just having Ferrari on his resume? ( I don't know much about the sport I'm just curious)

[@mo_bang]

@@implive17probably both tbh

[@romeo_jar]

"Everyone is a Ferrari fan. Even if you say youre not, you're a Ferrari fan." - Sebastian Vettel

[@limatngho9428]

2025 will be the year that a lot of Ferrari fans jump ship if not this year for the sheer audacity of their choice!

[@tamasmarton1792]

​@@limatngho9428 What? Why? We never jump ship. We stood behind Ferrari through every possible fuckup and terrible car, signing a 7 time world champ would not make anyone jump ship. Altough I feel for Sainz, loved that guy so much.

[@pedronmsluis]

​@@tamasmarton1792 I was a Ferrari fan, not anymore.

[@youltenbrett]

@@pedronmsluis you jump ship because of the ups n downs..your not a fan. period.

[@AdastraRecordings]

The pull is strong!

[@zippo5294]

Luigi sat in W15 and said hell nah

[@areebsiddiqui758]

Its obvious Lewis drove the W15 in the simulator and was not impressed.

[@yougotkained]

But the Ferrari will win races?....

[@smith2781]

I agree something has changed very recently. They were negotiating with Carlos until 2 weeks ago. He’s obviously seen the data and tried the simulator and thought he’s had enough.

[@kkrsnn5632]

Maybe other factors too

[@areebsiddiqui758]

@@yougotkained Who knows but he clearly thinks its a better proposition than Merc right now.

[@martinferjancic]

@@yougotkained mercedes is stable, but ferrari is fast, there is no denying that. and i thing lewis is looking for speed more than stability

[@skookum696]

This is an interesting referendum on the Vasseur model of change management.

[@Thermalions]

I feel sorry for the editors over at Drive to Survive. First they have to re-edit the final episode of the upcoming season to fit in a segment about Guenther being let go. Then re-edit again for the Andretti bid rejection. At least they won't have had time to start on that before the Hamilton news broke.

[@ScottieDawg333]

“Is it Hammer Time?”…….. “Okay we are checking”…..

[@JackV-tw8bw]

I can't wait so see Ferrari cock up and give Lewis wets in Abu Dhabi

[@cybersurfer2010]

Will be spaghetti time…😂😂😂

[@deerlord2363]

"Slow button on"

[@GAVINHR]

Does this mean I have to support Ferrari now instead of laughing at their strategy errors? 💁

[@johncitizen306]

It means I'll only have one ferrari driver to support in 2025

[@asterixdogmatix1073]

2025. Ferrari Race Engineer. "Lewis, we need to pit for wets". Lewis. "But its dry and sunny". Race Engineer. "We know".

[@Desert_Rogue_Tanker]

Up to you on that 😅

[@limatngho9428]

This is just another in a string of laughable strategy errors.

[@karlosdelacruz3803]

I've heard they've got a new strategist... 🤔

[@steve4880]

I can't wait for the first radio message of "My tire's are gone," "ok, we are checking..."

[@stuartcarden1371]

Bono will no doubt be with him, so unfortunately we won't get that glorious radio conversation.

[@cedricasdfghjkl9151]

Marc Márquez to Ducati in MotoGP, Lewis to Ferrari, what is going on in the world of Motorsport 😅??? Both moves are exciting.

[@TJRoss7000]

Soon to be factory Ducati in 2025

[@thainguyen8244]

Does that means the rumor from Redbull in 2023 about Hamilton looking around for a new seat, which included the top Redbull, got some merits?

[@GameOver-nm2us]

not sure about Redbull but Hamilton was thinking about this all the way back from may last year

[@nautical1078]

Every driver's agents and team sends "feelers" to everyone, there's only 10 years and 20 drivers so it's normal.

[@youbetu18]

Obviously! You’d be dumb to not have your agent ask. Imagine they would have said yes, but you didn’t dare to ask for the fastest car on the grid. Get fucking real man.

[@who5301]

Its obvious that if Lewis leave Mercedes he'll join Ferrari or MacLachlan. Aint no way he'll join alfa,Aston Martin or Red bull.

[@thainguyen8244]

@marcusorion4465 Right...who was telling the truth? For timeline perspective, Hamilton renewed with Mercedes through 2025 on 8/31/2023, a contract that somehow got a 2025 opt-out clause without running 2024. The story from The-Race on 11/23/2023 about Horner comments on Hamilton looking around: "The Mail story also quoted Horner referring to Ferrari chairman John Elkann, and apparent discussions earlier this season about Hamilton joining Ferrari."

[@KSCustomweapons]

Convenient this drops the day after Andretti Cadillac got absolutely shafted👀👀

[@felixlueggerto]

Hamilton to Ferrari is F1s nuke

[@florisbackx1744]

Exactly my thoughts

[@Chris-xl6pd]

Lol let me guess you are American and think Andretti ever had a chance. Andretti not getting in to anyone with a brain is not news.

[@claytonbruner1808]

They'll be wishing they had an Andretti team by then.

[@DEFACTO9]

lol.. this is F1.... its bigger than Cadilac, Andretti lost because f Cadialc, they should have come with a bigger brand.

[@sulphurous2656]

I'm still convinced this is some kind of psyop to distract people from the Andretti-Cadillac fallout. The timing is just too perfect.

[@albertogarcia5276]

I thought the same

[@RussH-xk7zp]

Anyone who thought Andretti was joining F1 is delusional, it was expected news. MA was put in his place. He rubs people up the wrong way...tough.

[@soundscape26]

The Andretti denial was already expected and people would forget about it anyway with the start of the car launches in a few days.

[@richrodriguez6543]

Hmm, more street circuits, no Andretti and Lewis to the Italians. Rubbish all.

[@markbuhay9968]

​@@RussH-xk7zp if they don't backpedal from their statement, wasn't it guised as "try again when you've got a complete car in 2028, running a GM PU"

[@horger89]

This pre season is already way more interesting than the entire 2023 season

[@brandonb.288]

completely true!

[@Jason-jb1vs]

how is the death of a carrier any interesting

[@BONESnCMA]

Would love to see Sainz P2 at end of "24 season 🤞

[@ERJOL]

Probably Merc didn't change the car the way he wanted for 2024. Just my guess but I wouldn't be surprised

[@changbeerbeer]

What a crazy day for Lewis and F1!

[@SimRacingVeteran]

Season hasn’t even started yet and silly season is already underway. No driver lineup change this year. 2025 is gonna shake up the grid.

[@foryousten]

Vasseur "Lewis, do you know why you're here?" Hamilton "Bad Luck I guess "

[@HarveyPete-v1y]

😂

[@JackV-tw8bw]

That's what alonso was think when he was driving a Honda mclaren

[@FirestormX9]

Lmao roasted

[@SaadKidwai]

The only way we get through this is with Trust

[@MLGadventuersinfinance101]

no.... 250 million to his 44 charity and 100 million each years plus bounses..... half a billion will make him drive for hass....... cut the shit

[@Daz555Daz]

Not a sniff of a race win for over 2 years. Close to retirement. This seems like the ideal move.

[@98MTBiker]

I'd say Brazil 2022 was a sniff. Still, it's true Mercedes hasn't shown a path towards the front again and their development seems to be more conservative than McLaren and even Aston Martin. They haven't been able to bring mid-season updates that make a difference, unlike McLaren.

[@sdv4675]

A thing to keep in mind regarding Sainz and Audi is Sainz sr. who is a multiple world champion in rallying, a part of motorsport Audi is a big name in

[@milkyway_WasntAvailable]

did a cockpit check one time and decided "nah"

[@JackV-tw8bw]

He though fook dis sh!t give me that Ferrari money

[@01bigtrev]

George Russell must be happy to be top dog quicker than he probably thought. Has there been any reporting on what Sainz has said about this ?

[@brokeafengineerwannabe2071]

Yup. To me, Russell has been dreaming of this for a long time. No excuse for him to screw up due to driver management or team preference.

[@gdoumit]

He put out a statement just confirming the situation and saying he will inform people on his next steps when he's ready. He just confirmed he would be driving in 2024, so my guess is we probably don't hear anything soon about this. Mercedes will probably take their time to talk to many drivers becoming available, so I would think the summer break is when we know where Sainz is going.

[@nielsdorhout058]

George has a 2nd job in engineering. He will check some walls again this year 😂

[@patepulkkinenvtec2403]

George is running out of time to beat Hamilton through a whole season on pure performance though...

[@JackV-tw8bw]

Imagine if someone like Oscar comes in and just destroyed Russel

[@etcarief]

Ferrari better improve these if they want to succeed : - Tyre deg - Engine reliability - Strat

[@JohnWiku]

Strat above all else 😂😂

[@glcsander]

If I'm sainz this upcoming season I don't want to hear teams orders or Lecrec is faster than you, game fucking on 🔥🔥, don't make it messy just absolutely destroy Charles in every race weekend.

[@theINQBS]

I find Leclerc to be a bit overrated. So much talk about him but he implodes under his helmet too often while Sainz always remains calming calculating and rightly second guesses and redirects his team in the right ways at the right times. And he's damn fast too.@@glcsander

[@robbks]

Hello Valtteri, This is Toto......

[@michaelp4122]

Sainz --> Red Bull Albon --> Benz Mick --> Williams Perez --> Racing Bulls Ricciardo --> Out But Alonso on Benz/RB that would be cool.

[@Mechanical-Animal]

I can just imagine the team at The Race scrambling and tripping over themselves to put this video out lol

[@dukirps]

Merc signing Alonso might be the only move that'll save Toto's face. What makes this amazing is Alonso knows this more than anyone :)

[@patepulkkinenvtec2403]

Please no, Mercedes doesn't deserve the excellence of Alonso.

[@bonsai9069]

Or they could move Albon into Mercedes and put Schumacher into the Williams

[@saqib7965]

​@@hdvrNG we want Lewis to win

[@russellthomson1775]

And then Alonso will wipe the floor with lulu.

[@JackV-tw8bw]

Alonso or Oscar would be a true rival to rusele

[@aaronvanzile3824]

The fact that toto wasn't even in the room for the announcement to the staff is WILD

[@Merkaba954]

I bet he was PISSEDDDDDDDD si he didnt want to blind people because how red his face was!!!

[@___DeVille___]

Where did you get that info?

[@aaronvanzile3824]

@@___DeVille___ i wanna say it was Driver61's video, one of the many many f1 youtubers said it

[@Preditah.]

Toto was in Milan for a meeting with Pirelli.

[@aaronvanzile3824]

@@Preditah. Which makes sense that he would just dial into the meeting, unless the meeting was for something absolutely monumental like announcing that your 7x World Champion is leaving for your biggest rival (sorry merc fans but it's true)

[@bguzewi0]

And I thought we weren't even going to get a silly season this year.

[@capo_di_capi]

Toto:"In, in in in in in in !!!!!!" Vasseur: "Stay out, stay out stay out" LH: "Im Out."

[@mr.iceman_]

first of all it was Xabi who was saying stay out in Monaco, secondly Vasseur wasn't the boss when that disaster happened, but Mattia Idiotto 🤡

[@capo_di_capi]

ITS CALLED A JOOOOOOOKE@@mr.iceman_

[@eugenioaguirre3214]

Hamilton entering Mercedes pit while on ferrari 😝

[@diegomarche]

A useful insight to consider is that 2025 cars will be about the same of 2024 because after 2024 teams will focus 100% on the new 2026 regulations. Hamilton knows that he doesn't need to wait 2025 to see if he can win again in mercedes.

[@TheSt1092]

Imagine the scenes at the end of this year if Sainz win the WDC in a Ferrari or Hamilton doing likewise in a Mercedes.

[@nielsdorhout058]

Keep on dreaming 🤣

[@johannsonskateboarding223]

@@nielsdorhout058 think its more of a funny thing then a dream

[@nielsdorhout058]

@@johannsonskateboarding223 a funny dream 😉

[@Switll72]

Yes you're imagination is running wild!!

[@matrixplace]

@@Switll72 your*, you're = you are. My, your, his, her, its, their.

[@whassupg89]

The news is more exciting than the racing in f1!

[@limatngho9428]

Psych eval on row 10 position 20

[@swl0323]

Mean another winless season on 2024. Ya very excited 😂

[@ISirSmoke]

actually merc pushed the seat position even more forward so lewis was sitting between the front wheels

[@arc4055]

They just wanna keep their man as close as possible to Red bull. And that would be around the formation lap and start.

[@ScuderiaFans]

That escalated quickly. It's absolutely incredible, seriously blown away. Thought it was never gonna happen. Having a driver of Hamilton's calibre is definitely a good thing for Ferrari. Yesss! Let's gooo!!! 👏🙌🤩 Shame for Carlos. He didn't deserve it. Good luck to him in this new adventure ❤

[@js2188]

I'm not a Lewis fan but this seems to me to be the right way to do it for the team. I don't really see it as selfish or any more selfish than any other driver move.

[@raptoravenger06]

Just a guess. I think Sainz would go to Red Bull to replace Checo. Albon to Merc. The Merc will put there f2 driver in the Williams seat. Lance Stroll retires and Checo replaces him.

[@deerlord2363]

Perez is not going there again, he said they didn't treat him well when he was still driving for them and then got rid of him, he also said before going to RedBull that if none of the top teams offered him a seat he would retire because he was tired of traveling all the time and wanted to be with his family. So now that he got the top team, the best car and barely won a few races, I'd say he's done in F1. Also Honda is going with Aston Martin and they always contractually demand that one of the seats is given to a Japanese driver, like they did with RedBull and Yuki, being a Honda sponsored driver, was given the Alpha Tauri seat.

[@easyenetwork2023]

@@deerlord2363I thought Honda got out of F1.

[@deerlord2363]

@@easyenetwork2023 Nope. They will go to Aston.

[@Tarorc79]

They all want to be great... But what they really want is to be great in red.

[@giovannip8600]

🏎️💯🔥

[@Switll72]

I bet there is a dude from Netherlands that would not agree, Ferrari has become a $150mil/year ad campaign, they lost all credibility as a racing team after the Schumacher era.😂😂😂😂

[@Tarorc79]

@@Switll72 Verstappen wants it to.. Trust me.. of course he will not say it while at RB. They all want that seat and a championship in that same seat.. will all of them get it.. no.. but they all want it. Thats for sure.

[@glcsander]

Imagine if he switch to Ferrari and is the one who brings then to glory on the house Schumacher helped build. 😳

[@LTLGamer1]

I can't help but think that this helps FOM divert attention from the fact that they've denied Andretti an entry on the F1 grid.

[@Snaakie83]

Easy spotting the whiney murricans'...😅 Andretti means nothing to most F1 fans, so why does the FOM need a distraction? And why would Merc/Ham contribute to that? Clearly Andretti didn't convince the teams that a new lower tier team will contribute greatly to F1.

[@LTLGamer1]

@@Snaakie83 "murricans'..." I not one of them. That's all I'll say about it. As for the matter at hand, the timing is extremely fishy as this is something that will generate far more content than the Andretti matter. As for Andretti being competitive or not; don't knock till you try it.

[@CrashXII]

​@@Snaakie83I am German and share his opinion

[@RalphMouline]

​@@Snaakie83 i think having more teams *might* make things a bit more inteeresting. Though i doubt it

[@Snaakie83]

Oh I prefer more teams, the more the merrier. But seeing the collective outrage because F1 should abide by murrican contenders is just hilarious. Andretti just wasn't it this time, let him try over and over and he'll probably get in one day. Fact is, the teams and FOM make that choice, not them.

[@neilr4867]

Alonso has surely already been on the phone to Toto

[@arc4055]

And also insulted him thrice on that phone call.

[@Caron-dc3hs]

Alonso as a real title contender again would be fireeee😍🔥

[@N1tr0u5]

3 way title battle max, Lewis and nando I want another 2012

[@paperplane-db8qf]

Alonso’s not good enough to be a title challenger. More likely Russell will completely outclass him.

[@T-Wavebeatbox]

​@@paperplane-db8qfyou sound like a drive to survive fan😂, you probably don't even know that Alonso is a 2 times world champion

[@paperplane-db8qf]

@@T-Wavebeatbox you already went and forgot that Alonso lost to Ocon. Typical goldfish memory Alonso fanboys. Lost to Tarso Marquez, lost to Trulli, lost to rookie Lewis, lost to Button, lost to Ocon. And you think he’ll beat Russell and be WDC lmao. 🤡 He only won those two championships because of luck. Kimi was the better driver in 2005 but had tons of reliability issues. Alonso had an illegal car for half of 2006.

[@jayb2705]

He would have the same choice he had back in 2013. The team Hamilton just left, with a history of always being at the top. Or a team which will get the Honda engine in 2026 and could do a Ferrari 2017 due to new regulations. Hope he makes the right call

[@STKev88]

Once February hits you know F1 is back. But this puts this season in big talks. Hamilton makes news waves by ousting Sainz at Ferrari is something no one could ever see coming. 😳

[@HammerHeart3229]

Interesting tactics by Lewis... 🤪 I guess this confirms what a lot of us suspected that Lewis has indeed lost faith in Mercedes. I still don't know if this is the right move for Ferrari or Hamilton but time will tell. Then again I suppose Lewis has nothing to lose in a way. Even if he doesn't get that 8th championship at least he can say he drove for Ferrari. Just goes to show, we might laugh at Ferrari when they screw up or get annoyed at how they run the team sometimes but that pull factor of racing in scarlet red is too much to resist at the end of the day. I also reckon Mercedes should go with Albon to be honest. I want Alonso to get that seat but I think it'd be safer and probably cheaper to get Albon and focus on the mid-to-long term.

[@asterixdogmatix1073]

Agreed. Albon would be perfect for Merc. Not sure how George and Alex's friendship would hold up though?

[@HammerHeart3229]

@@asterixdogmatix1073 Naturally there's always a risk their friendship might go ka-boom but in a hyper competitive sport like F1 that's always a possibility unfortunately. Especially if both drivers have a chance at wins, podiums and championships! For all we know though, maybe their friendship would survive if Albon went to Merc! Besides I'd be willing to bet Alonso and Russell's friendship would be more likely to implode if Nando went to Mercedes. As much as I love Alonso, he doesn't exactly have a reputation for being the greatest person to work with! 😂

[@matthewpotter8491]

100% spot on. Exactly what I said too!

[@RobertoCastilloAcevedo]

that line from moneyball made my day!

[@doktorwort]

Guess the 2024 Merc wasn't quick in the sim.

[@easyenetwork2023]

He is going in 2025 though.

[@easyenetwork2023]

I think Lewis also wanted to get out from under Mercedes after being in that manufacturer his entire career.

[@RAZGRIZ016P]

him being a Ferrari man is already showed by his LaFerrari lolololol jk, good luck with the Maranello

[@Sakratic]

When I first saw this headline, I have to admit, I checked the calendar, immediately followed by both my mental/emotional state, and just my very own existence. In fact 20 mins in, between the shock and even as I write this, there's this feeling that this isn't possible... what's that word? Yes, never used this until now, but the word "flabbergasted" just popped in my head, seems perfect for what I'm feeling at the moment. Wow! This really happened??

[@ryancuda45]

i love the auto stroll seat rolling lol. mine as well put the inifinity sign up lol

[@QuantumS1ngularity]

Often Schumacher and Hamilton get compared together, but here is where the true legend shines through. Michael left a top performing, world championship winning team and joined Ferrari who were basically in the back of the pack and were nowhere near competitive for the title for years. And not only they started performing well, they made the most dominating age in Formula 1 from 2000 to 2004. Hamilton on the other hand jumps from power team to power team hoping that this will get him another win. Willingly jumping from a championship title wining car to one that can barely stick in the middle of the pack, while being an active defending champion, is something no other driver has ever done.

[@alanserjeant4947]

He's not going there until 2025. We don't know what Ferrari will be like (or any other team) by then. Especially with the new regs on their way.

[@Prokid777]

Great point! @@alanserjeant4947

[@arroe8386]

To me this sounds like his thought line is that when he isn't winning the championsship at Mercedes, he might aswell just go and complete the Ferrari game quest

[@MLGadventuersinfinance101]

450 million euros is the reason

[@Kwengru]

Hamilton's therapist has to be seeing $$$ right now

[@mariosaunier8509]

😂

[@harleyb7880]

And Toto's therapist 😂

[@saqib7965]

​@FlorianGeyer_ unstable? When 😂

[@sharlesleglerc]

Charles does not play games. Lewis loves this about Bottas. This makes sense..

[@bozoclown99]

Seeing the grid driver contracts expiring at end of this season, could have a mad scramble to get into the vacated seat /240205

[@julianlopezespejo4152]

Quick question: Does any feel like Sainz is not respected enough? I feel like he is a good driver, quick, works very well with the team, and very talented when it comes to understanding the engineering side.

[@deerlord2363]

Yes, he's criminally underappreciated... 😢

[@youbetu18]

Sainz is a great driver. But if I was a team boss I’d take Max Charles Lando Hamilton Alonso George Piastri Before him. In that order. So it’s not really disrespect, it’s just natural order.

[@byanymeansnecessary9329]

Sainz is not a top 8 driver in the current F1 grid. Simple as that. He didn't deserve the Ferrari seat and was lucky to land it and 2 lucky wins.

[@louis-marlowe]

fml you guys forget Russell and Alonso party at NYE together - they're complete and utter bros

[@mihalis1010]

Daddy Stroll probably pays Alonso well enough to keep him happy in green. Plus, Aston has every chance to be competitive.

[@letmechillhere6059]

If it’s like what you’re assuming then it will more likely that Albon getting that Merc seat lol

[@JackV-tw8bw]

Alonso or Oscar would be a beast at Mercedes

[@T-Wavebeatbox]

Nah Latifi or Sargeant, maybe even the mighty Maldonado is necessary to replace Hamilton, or Mazepin

[@oussamaknani7753]

waiting ages for the race's take is like torture

[@caio5987]

Ages? This was only announced a few hours ago I find it impressive that they’ve managed to edit a video on that short of a notice

[@JoseLeonardoMP]

At least they waited for the official statement, everyone else posted videos claiming the move was done, when only it was a rumor

[@sammorrissey9094]

It's a win for Hamilton really. The worst that happens is that he still isn't in a car to win the wdc with, but gets to have driven for ferrari before retirement. The best that happens is that he does have a car to try and shoot for a wdc even if it isn't enough

[@Pistol_pauly]

Mate to be honest i dont think hamilton really isnt capable to win a championship with current day competition. Hes also getting older and rustier, i dont think he has any motivation left to try and win the championship

[@bernardlee2717]

I think Mercedes is the winner. I was surprised they re-signed him. It was a mistake. He’s a great, perhaps greatest, but he is well passed his prime. Best to let him go and get cranky at the Ferrari circus team. I'm not convinced he’ll be anything other than a financial asset at Ferrari. Though, I am happy to be proven wrong. I don't see it as a vote of no confidence in Mercedes. It is an old dog hoping to find a new trick. And I'm sure it pays well. Schumacher’s Ferrari salary from 20 years ago is still higher than what today’s best get.

[@Pistol_pauly]

@@bernardlee2717 well said

[@thecockycow]

he outdrove his teammate by 60 points and came best of the rest after the red bulls, but sure he's rusty 🙄

[@byanymeansnecessary9329]

​@@bernardlee2717complete nonsense, totally outdrove Russell(in both years actually) and is in better physical condition than Alonso and any other driver on the grid. Well passed his prime is complete stupidity.

[@nissan300ztt]

As a Hamilton fan today explains why Lewis brought back his performance coach and his face during his seat fit. And not to mention Lewis has been in the Simulator for the W15. I think Mercs performance over the last 2 seasons made his mind up. Ferrari has been the second fastest car the last 2 seasons(overall). And Vasseur is doing great at Ferrari. Guess im part of the Tifosi as of 2025.

[@olegebloek]

I feel really bad for Carlos Sainz, I feel like he got screwed over completely. He had an amazing 2023, finished just a few points behind Leclerc who's supposed to be the clear number 1 for Ferrari, got the only non RedBull win this season, and now has to learn that he'll be replaced by Midfieldmilton in 2025. I really hope he gets that second Merc seat and finishes before Hamilton in 2025. That would be poetic justice.

[@bennynagon9322]

Calling Hamilton midfield driver while finishing above sainz is crazy. How many races haven’t Leclerc been sacrificed this year to help sainz and yet he still finished above Sainz. Good driver but wow how overrated sainz is becoming

[@Soldiertjj]

@@bennynagon9322 agree, people are way too sentimental about this.

[@bennynagon9322]

@@Soldiertjj yea even that sainz both only wins for Ferrari was when Leclerc was sacrificed to make way for sainz, yet people still say “ Leclerc is the number 1 driver and sainz has the only non Red Bull win this season”.

[@ishqiahmed4315]

@@bennynagon9322 also sainz won when red bull had issues, otherwise those wins would not exist, people are rating him too highly

[@bennynagon9322]

@@ishqiahmed4315 not only that, his first win was because Ferrari didn’t pit Leclerc with the safety car and just told him yeah hold on as good as you can, they sacrificed him for Sainz to get the win. Fair Australia was a good drive by him and he deserved it. But one time in 3 years time?

[@raphwalker9123]

Leclerc going to retire him like he did Vettle

[@sanguinor5609]

Let’s hope so.

[@onlyviralvibes8386]

😂😂 Hamilton is not like spinvettel. Lewis has been faster than every single teammate he raced against he will be no different with Leclerc

[@LucasMueller18]

@@onlyviralvibes8386nope you underestimate leclerc rn 😂😂

[@florisbackx1744]

'Spinvettel', the man has a legendary career in F1 and is highly respected by all people knowledgeable in the sport including Lewis, but hey if you want to be a clown, be my guest@@onlyviralvibes8386

[@flintey360]

This isn't going to age well...

[@williamfischer3990]

Can’t say I blame Lewis honestly. I think he sat in the W15 and thought nah see ya guys.

[@zombiekilla25979]

Seems like mercades aint cooking a good car

[@Jmtech-we9cd]

Well today it was weird day ...for me and then this 😂

[@40Rouge]

I always love seeing "Rolling" next to Stroll's name

[@adamaldridge3443]

Question is, will Bono go with him? Can’t imagine that sort of chemistry with an Italian on the end of the phone.

[@alanserjeant4947]

Bono has always been a cool head and calming voice for Lewis. You won't find many like that at Ferrari. Especially when the pit crew come out with softs, mediums and hard tyres for the same bloody pit stop !!! 😂🤣🙃

[@Preditah.]

HAM: ''is it Hammer time yet?'' FERRARI: ''we are checking.''

[@sugarbagels]

world record longest silly season

[@IAmLeutrimTopalli]

Fred vasseur made this happen 100%

[@BuuGz86]

lec is not just quick in one lap ffs. people need to stop saying that. he has shown that he is fast in race trim as well, the only thing you can put on Lec is that he does sometimes push the car a bit over the limit.. so he can't push the car to the absolute limit and not make a mistake sometimes, and he is not the best in the rain. although in both things he has gotten better. And i find it actually a good challenge for him to improve in 2024 so when HAM gets there he can see where he is compared to Lewis.

[@Anitadump232]

Charles will dominate him in qualifying and if the cars reliable then more often than not in the races as well

[@mattpowe]

Hamo's done. Out with the old, in with the new. Massive opportunity for Merc.

[@WarayF1]

It will be a massive downfall for Merc actually. Look at the last season and realize Hamilton was the reason they held that P2 in constructors and only behind both RB rocketship drivers in driver standings. Imagine if Merc have 2 George Russels, they'd be P5 at best.

[@stevensilberman9886]

Both Sainz drivers racing for Red Bull in different formats would be wholesome and Carlos is a strong, consistent driver which would be great for the team. Hope to see that happen.

[@theINQBS]

Both Sainz drivers will be racing for the same outfit, but it's NOT Red Bull… Audi is the one!

[@tommcglone2867]

As long as he doesnt commit the cardinal sin of whinging about a Ferrari not being perfect he should be fine.

[@lozpopo]

Ferrari won't be anywhere near as accommodating as Merc were if he does

[@0Synergy]

The problem is he is addicted to whining. His Radio is fucking unbearable at times. But maybe that's just a Merc thing

[@lmfao3908]

"it's a Ferrari!" , No it's a shit box

[@colinhamilton6493]

Great rundown

[@ferbhd5747]

I did not have this move near my Bingo card for the 2024 or 2025 season; however, this setup is a really interesting scenario for the driver line-up going into 2025. Also, the early termination clause screams that he was unsatisfied with the performance upgrades over the winter break and does not see Merc returning to title contender in the near future.

[@willyhwang1059]

if MERC doesn't turn around quickly. can't seem them hanging around in F1 much longer.

[@limatngho9428]

One could see the same happening for Ferrari with this type of mistake!

[@specialingu]

its very low cost for them to compete, so they will stick around as long as they arent increadibly bad.

[@arc4055]

​@@limatngho9428nope. Ferrari has survived on their mediocrity for a long long time. So I think they'll be just fine.

[@The666opal111]

Based on a fact Mercedes ended 2nds in championship, its your brain shall turn around more.

[@ZeFleischwaffe]

„What Hamilton gave Mercedes“ more like what Mercedes gave the turncoat. Even Lance Stroll could have been WDC in those Mercedes dominant years

[@Louis-uq2jc]

If that was the case, then why wasn't Bottas.. it's a reach to say Stroll would replicate what Lewis did at Mercedes.

[@limatngho9428]

@@Louis-uq2jc I think Totto could answer that for everyone. The same reason Nico Rosberg retired Tired of Totto's favoritism!

[@Rimpianto]

@@Louis-uq2jc Bottas finished 2nd twice, only behind Lewis. You know, like Rosberg, who struggled to be faster than a retired 42yo Schumacher the years prior but managed to win against Lewis. A bit of luck and a slow companion and literally anyone would have won at least a couple of titles on that merc.

[@Louis-uq2jc]

​@@limatngho9428 Behave. Nico ran because he got his lucky title and knew lightning wouldn't strike twice. He went out on top

[@Louis-uq2jc]

​@Rimpianto My point was more about Stroll than anything. Stroll. As if he would win anything. The hint is in his name...

[@alexvenous1875]

Are Norris and Leclerc contract extensions related to this shakeup whatsoever?

[@MLGadventuersinfinance101]

yes, this was his chance and at 450 million euros for 2 years he can gamble

[@peterdevreter]

Nice ending of a career to finish with ferrari. Everybody in F1 wants a shot in the red car, and with Fred in control of the scuderia(he and Hamilton go a long way back) this was THE moment for him to jump ship. Cant wait for 2025!

[@jshumphress13]

Awkward. Toto and Lewis will have to communicate a lot this year, and I’m sure they will since they’re both top notch at what they do. But damn.

[@Sai_Saracen]

2025 Albon to Mercdes ... Sainz to Red Bull (replacing Perez)

[@kkrsnn5632]

Likely. Why not Norris to Merc? Who knows, we'll see...

[@hbrown689]

​@@kkrsnn5632Norris signed an extension about a week ago, RB was the option for him so why would he leave McLaren for a worse team?

[@kkrsnn5632]

@@hbrown689 contracts have clauses in them, so it's possible. Worse or not, it's better to have options.

[@whyareyoureadingmynickname8158]

Sainz and Red Bull parted on bad terms, he's done with them.

[@Sai_Saracen]

@@whyareyoureadingmynickname8158 it cant be worst than Alonso and Mclaren in 2007 (Alonso Cost Mclrean $100 Million and a 2 world titiles) .. Sainz is the perefct teamates for Max .. Now Maybe he does not like that enviroment... but the Problem if Mercedes dont come calling his options of frontline seat are 💥.. Red Bull on the other hand are runnig out of option for that second seat... No A List driver want to go there and everyone else is gonna get dystroyed

[@JohnWiku]

Luigi Hamilton just put a foot in toto's mouth 😂😂😂

[@swl0323]

No mickey no mickey it is so not right 😂

[@h0tdish]

Luigi Hamilton :))

[@JohnWiku]

@@h0tdish my mistake, it's Luigi Pastramilton!

[@Wilsonandcars]

this is dumb, they might of well switch drivers this year!

[@wirefeed3419]

This early decision suggests that the off season testing has not gone that well at Mercedes and Lewis does not believe yet again they do not have a package that can compete with RB or Ferrari. I just don’t believe Lewis would leave if Mercedes was fielding a car he felt good in that he could win with. Time will tell about this move because Ferrari has also failed to give Charles a car to match his abilities.

[@yyzsupra8338]

You sound like the dude that does the animated history vids lol

[@chinmaysardesai623]

Christian was not lying. He tried to switch to RB too

[@demainesolomons6007]

Yes, I thought about that….but that means Lewis is really keen and not afraid to beat Max. Going head to head in the same car would have been bonkers.

[@chinmaysardesai623]

@@demainesolomons6007 Marko does like Lewis's "mentality" just like Checo's.

[@deerlord2363]

He never does.

[@byanymeansnecessary9329]

Every top driver had their people asking about checo's seat since he drove so poorly last year