Source: REUTERS/XXSTRINGERXX
[Saba Sports News] On August 31, 2023, Lewis
Hamilton signed a contract extension with the Mercedes team. However, just five
months after signing the new contract, Hamilton triggered an early departure
clause and announced his move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Fans have been
left wondering about the reasons behind his decision. British media outlets
have published articles analyzing the factors that led to Hamilton’s departure.
One significant factor is the changes in the F1 regulations for the 2022
season, which had reintroduced ground effects. Mercedes, it is argued, chose
the wrong direction in terms of their car design, particularly with their zero
sidepod concept. This design choice has put them in a difficult position, where
a single misstep can have significant consequences. Hamilton’s goal of pursuing
an eighth F1 world championship may be more challenging to achieve with
Mercedes, and that is a primary reason for his decision to leave. Another
factor is the influence of Frederic Vasseur, the current team boss at Ferrari.
Vasseur played a significant role in Hamilton’s early career. Hamilton raced
for ASM Formule 3 in the F3 European Series in 2005, winning 15 out of 20 races
and easily securing the championship title. Vasseur was the boss of ASM Formule
3 at the time. In 2006, Vasseur founded ART Grand Prix, a top team in the
lower-level formula series. Hamilton raced for ART in the GP2 series, now known
as Formula 2, and won the championship by defeating Nelson Piquet Jr.
Hamilton’s connection with Vasseur throughout his formative years has likely
played a role in his decision to join Ferrari as a way to show gratitude and
repay his kindness.