Hamilton compares leaving McLaren and Mercedes: 'It wasn't as painful'
22:00, 31 Dec 2024
1 Comments
Savannah Lenz is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with a broad interest in motorsport. With experience in content creation and journalism, she delivers accessible and reliable coverage for a global F1 audience.
Tomorrow marks the start of a new era for Lewis Hamilton. From 1 January 2025, he will be a Ferrari driver instead of a Mercedes driver. This marks the end of an 12-year era where Hamilton won six championships.
Hamilton's feelings on leaving McLaren vs. Mercedes
When asked about how it felt to leave Mclaren in 2012, Hamilton said he didn't remember the small parts. "I don't really remember. I remember meeting Niki Lauda. I remember making the decision. But I don't really remember the final days, if I'm really honest. I don't really know. I've got a really bad memory, as you know."
In his final days with Mercedes, he also noted how different the two were. "It definitely wasn't as painful and difficult as this year has been in terms of the emotions." Hamilton's move to Ferrari shocked many, as he had remained adamant in interviews that he was happy where he was.
The seven-time world champion won a championship with McLaren and then six with Mercedes. "I think because it was at the end of the year, it was much quicker, and there wasn't enough time for it to really settle in for anyone within the team. This one's much more emotional because I've been with the team so long,g and we've been through so much together."
ADVERTISEMENT
Hamilton's contract with Ferrari is rumoured to last three years.
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on GoogleRead more about:
latest news
Austrian Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 26.06.26
Practice 1
11:30 AM
Practice 2
03:00 PM
Saturday 27.06.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 28.06.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 26.06.26
Practice 1
Fri 11:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 03:00 PM
Saturday 27.06.26
Practice 3
Sat 10:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 28.06.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
Times are in your local timezone
Rumors
Popular on GPBlog
1
Moto3 Results: Malaysia's Hakim Danish claims stunning first win in Brno
2127 times read
2
Marc Marquez capitalizes on Bezzecchi ban with huge win in Brno
2078 times read
3
Mega crash in NASCAR involving 19 cars results in bizarre footage
1899 times read
4
Jeremy Clarkson issues heartfelt plea after revealing cancer diagnosis
1236 times read
F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 156 | |
2 | FerrariFER | 115 | |
3 | MercedesMER | 106 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 75 | |
5 | McLarenMCL | 73 | |
6 | McLarenMCL | 70 | |
7 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 55 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 37 | |
9 | AlpineALP | 32 | |
10 | Racing BullsRCB | 28 |
Loading
