Lewis Hamilton’s swansong Formula 1 season with Mercedes was far from ideal, but he did get to wave goodbye after taking two more victories for him.
His memorable ninth British Grand Prix victory was a beautiful moment for the team and fans alike, as they signed off from an 11-year partnership in some style.
Team boss Toto Wolff lost control in Abu Dhabi after Hamilton was eliminated from Q1 in his final race with Mercedes.
The seven-time champion moves to Ferrari next season to partner Charles Leclerc, as they attempt to end what will be a 17-year championship drought.
Nico Rosberg is 100% worried Hamilton at Ferrari could turn out to be painful to watch, especially if he continues to regress.
The Brit is aware that he needs to find some more qualifying form next season, or risks leaving himself with far too much work to do on a Sunday.
Lucas di Grassi would ‘never hire’ the ‘expensive’ Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari
Hamilton’s Ferrari contract offers him the opportunity to race for up to three years if a one-year extension is initiated in 2026.
If he is able to win a record eighth Drivers’ Championship before then, there’s every possibility that he could opt to retire early instead.
Hamilton will benefit at Ferrari from his preferred side of the garage, which may or may not help him perform better.
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Speaking to Motorsport Brasil’s YouTube channel, ex-Formula 1 driver Lucas di Grassi mentioned how he would never pick the Brit if he were deciding on a driver for Ferrari.
“I never would hire Hamilton for Ferrari if I were to get screwed. Firstly, it is expensive, it is very expensive and I think he is no longer in his prime. I would hire another driver who will reach the prime within Ferrari at the right time.”
Why Lewis Hamilton should get along well with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari
One of the biggest factors behind Hamilton signing for Ferrari nearly 12 months ago, was the influence of former boss Fred Vasseur.
The two have known each other since before the Brit made it onto the grid, and this should be an advantage to them in 2025.
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Leclerc gets on well with Vasseur too, and they all have the same objective to prevent McLaren from winning the Constructors’ Championship again, and Max Verstappen from claiming the Drivers’ Championship.
Ending the year with one of the fastest cars is an encouraging sign, but all sides have work to do over the winter to ensure they hit the ground running at the Australian Grand Prix next year.
As was the case this season, falling behind early on could ruin their chances of any success almost straight away, and they won’t want to waste any time while Hamilton is in their car.
