Lewis Hamilton feels slow and struggles ahead of Ferrari move

In December 2024, Lewis Hamilton concluded his notable career with Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, an emotional event that marked his final race for the team with which he won six of his seven Formula 1 championships. He is set to join Ferrari in the 2025 season, an arrangement that has brought significant emotion and strain to his final moments with Mercedes, as Hamilton admitted to underestimating the toll this transition has on his relationships with the team. The year leading up to this race had been challenging; Hamilton faced a series of performance issues, consistently being outperformed by his teammate, George Russell. He described the 2024 season as a turbulent one, as his decision to leave Mercedes weighed heavily on both his performance and mental state. Hamilton acknowledged the emotional challenges he faced throughout the season, noting, "I think this year has been one of the worst in terms of handling that from my side, which I work on trying to be better at." As he prepares for the new chapter at Ferrari, Hamilton is eager to tackle the challenges ahead while reflecting on a career defined by remarkable successes at Mercedes. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc expressed his excitement and anticipation for joining forces with Hamilton, acknowledging the talent and success Hamilton embodies as a driver. Leclerc's perspective gives insight into the competitive atmosphere that Hamilton will encounter, emphasizing both the potential for dramatic dynamics within the Ferrari team and the need for collaboration as they strive for championships together. The upcoming partnership with Leclerc and the transition to Ferrari represents a significant shift in Hamilton's career, as he aims to reclaim championship glory for the storied team that last won the title in 2007. Hamilton's journey from Mercedes to Ferrari highlights the highs and lows of competitive motorsport, encapsulating the nuances of team dynamics, emotional challenges, and the relentless pursuit of success in Formula 1.