Lewis Hamilton is about to race with Ferrari in 2025, marking what may very well be the ultimate chapter of his illustrious Method 1 profession as he chases an unprecedented eighth world championship title.
For a lot of 2023, it appeared doubtless that Hamilton would stay at Mercedes, having signed a contract extension mid-season. His deep ties to Mercedes lengthen past racing, with a number of of his ventures, together with partnerships with Tommy Hilfiger and his basis Mission 44, carefully aligned with the German producer.
Nevertheless, the transfer to the Maranello group, lengthy rumored within the paddock, grew to become a actuality after Mercedes fell behind Ferrari within the Constructors’ Championship standings. The British driver reportedly activated a efficiency clause in his contract, permitting him to hitch Ferrari for 2025.
This week, Lewis Hamilton made his extremely anticipated debut in a Ferrari F1 automotive, taking to the Fiorano Circuit within the SF-23. Round 3,000 Tifosi followers gathered to witness the historic second because the seven-time world champion accomplished 30 laps, formally starting his tenure with Method 1’s most iconic group.
Whereas the precise size of Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari contract stays undisclosed, it’s extensively imagined to cowl at the least two years, particularly with the subsequent main regulation adjustments set to take impact in 2026. At 40 years outdated, Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari is anticipated to be his ultimate profession shift within the sport.
In the meantime, Johnny Herbert has shared his perspective on what Lewis Hamilton’s life would possibly appear like after Method 1. Talking within the ebook *Lights Out, Full Throttle*, co-written with Damon Hill, Herbert expressed doubts that Lewis Hamilton would pursue racing in another type after retiring from F1.
Though the seven-time Method 1 world champion has proven curiosity in different motorsports, corresponding to MotoGP and NASCAR—having examined autos in each disciplines— Johnny Herbert believes the Briton is unlikely to proceed racing as soon as his Method 1 journey concludes. As an alternative, Lewis Hamilton’s post-F1 chapter might even see him deal with his different passions and ventures past the racetrack.
Johnny Herbert expressed his perception that Lewis Hamilton is unlikely to stay in Method 1 as soon as he retires from driving. Whereas acknowledging the chance that he may very well be mistaken, Herbert admitted he could be stunned if Hamilton selected to remain concerned within the sport. He added that Hamilton’s continued presence in F1 could be extremely helpful, given his immense reputation, which extends far past the game itself.
The British former racing driver and broadcaster speculated on Lewis Hamilton’s widespread affect, stating that though a lot of his 14 million Instagram followers and 4 million Fb followers are doubtless F1 followers, a good portion won’t be. Nonetheless, so long as Hamilton stays related to Method 1, Herbert famous, he would proceed to function a distinguished ambassador for the game.
Lewis Hamilton has been getting ready for all times past Method 1 for years, rigorously cultivating a wide range of pursuits and tasks that reach far past the racetrack. Whether or not by means of his ventures in trend, music, or initiatives to advertise variety in STEM fields, the seven-time world champion has positioned himself to thrive in a post-F1 world.
In 2020, Hamilton launched Mission 44, a charitable basis geared toward empowering younger individuals, significantly these from black and underrepresented communities, to pursue careers in STEM. The initiative underscores Hamilton’s dedication to driving significant change and leaving a long-lasting influence exterior of motorsport.
Hamilton’s inventive pursuits are additionally well-documented. He has dabbled in music manufacturing, sharing snippets of his work on social media and even collaborating with Christina Aguilera beneath the alias ‘XNDA.’
Within the trend world, Hamilton serves as a model ambassador for Dior, contributing to the design of a number of collections. His affect within the trade has grown steadily, together with his collaborations highlighting his eye for type and innovation.
Given these various endeavors, it’s clear Hamilton is constructing a multifaceted legacy that ensures his relevance and affect will proceed lengthy after his Method 1 profession ends. In a world the place many athletes fade from the highlight upon retirement, Hamilton seems poised to transition seamlessly right into a life enriched by his passions and tasks.