Farewell to Mercedes

“… then Lewis Hamilton probably wouldn’t have left”

Lewis Hamilton (right)(Bild: APA/AFP/Martin KEEP)

The sensational switch of record Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes to Ferrari from the 2025 season onwards continues to be a topic of conversation in motorsport's premier class. For former racing driver Karun Chandhok, the Briton certainly made the right decision: "If he had believed that Mercedes would give him a car with which he could win the championship this year and in 2025, he probably wouldn't have left."

Lewis Hamilton holds the record with seven titles together with Michael Schumacher, while the Italian Scuderia Ferrari has been waiting since 2007 to win the next drivers' world championship title. Hamilton drew an exit clause that allows him to leave Mercedes at the end of the season. "At the moment, the Ferrari is a better package than the Mercedes," Karun Chandhok emphasizes to Sky.

Hamilton's switch marks the end of an era, with the Briton having driven for the Silver Arrows since 2013. "He knows he probably won't win the world championship this year unless there's a miraculous turnaround. So he might as well look to the future," says Chandhok.

Already done with Mercedes
The former Indian racing driver is certain that Hamilton is already done with Mercedes. "The timing of his decision cannot have been without reason," says Chandhok.