By Joe Murphy
As the 2024 Formula 1 season comes to a close, one of the sport’s most iconic figures, Lewis Hamilton, prepares to race for Mercedes for only a couple more occasions.
After spending over a decade at the Silver Arrows, Hamilton’s departure marks the end of an era at Mercedes, where he solidified his place as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history. With a legacy that includes multiple World Championships, a record-breaking run of victories, and a pivotal role in Mercedes’ dominance, Hamilton’s next step at Ferrari promises to be an exciting chapter in an already storied career. But as he prepares to make the switch, it’s important to reflect on what Hamilton has achieved at Mercedes and the lasting impact he leaves behind.
1. A Record-Breaking Partnership
When Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013, few could have predicted the level of success the team would go on to achieve. What began as a relatively risky move, given Mercedes’ status as a midfield team, quickly blossomed into one of the most dominant partnerships in Formula 1 history. Over the following decade, Hamilton’s driving talent, combined with Mercedes’ engineering excellence, led to an era of unprecedented success.
Hamilton won six of his seven World Championships with Mercedes, a remarkable feat that placed him in the same league as Michael Schumacher in terms of championship titles. His ability to extract every ounce of performance from the car, his precision on race day, and his relentless pursuit of victory helped Mercedes secure seven consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2014 to 2020—a feat never before seen in F1 history. Along the way, Hamilton also surpassed Schumacher’s record for race wins, becoming the winningest driver in the history of the sport.
2. Driving the Mercedes-Benz W-Series to Glory
Hamilton’s career at Mercedes was defined by the dominance of the W-series cars—especially the W05, W07, W09, and W11. These machines, designed by the likes of James Allison and Toto Wolff, were engineered to perfection, and Hamilton was the perfect driver to maximize their potential. The W11, in particular, was a masterpiece, as it carried Hamilton to his seventh world title in 2020, a year when the team secured an almost perfect record, winning 13 of the 17 races.
While Mercedes’ performance was undeniably down to their superior engineering and strategic mastery, Hamilton’s skill and consistency were the driving forces behind the team’s success. His ability to adapt to different track conditions, maintain tire life, and manage complex race strategies set him apart from his rivals. Hamilton’s relationship with Mercedes engineers allowed for a level of feedback and collaboration that made the W-series cars some of the most refined and race-winning machines ever built in Formula 1.
3. The Rivalries That Defined Hamilton’s Legacy
Over his time at Mercedes, Hamilton has faced some of the fiercest rivalries in F1 history. None more notable than his battles with teammate Nico Rosberg. The internal rivalry between Hamilton and Rosberg reached a boiling point in 2016, when Rosberg won the World Championship, narrowly beating Hamilton. However, it was Rosberg’s departure from the sport immediately after claiming his first title that allowed Hamilton to continue his dominance, winning the next four consecutive championships.
In later years, the rise of Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing provided another significant challenge. Verstappen’s aggression and pace were a serious threat to Hamilton’s reign, culminating in the dramatic 2021 season, which saw the two drivers clash on track, culminating in one of the most controversial and thrilling title deciders in F1 history. The battle with Verstappen elevated Hamilton’s legacy, proving that even in the face of intense competition, he remained one of the most formidable drivers on the grid.
4. Off-Track Impact: Leadership and Advocacy
Beyond his on-track achievements, Hamilton’s legacy at Mercedes has been equally marked by his role as a global ambassador for the sport. Known for his outspoken views on racial equality, diversity, and environmental issues, Hamilton used his platform to push for change both within Formula 1 and in the wider world. As the sport’s first and only Black driver, he became a powerful symbol for inclusivity, challenging Formula 1’s traditionally conservative image.
In 2020, Hamilton led the charge for the #WeRaceAsOne initiative, promoting diversity and inclusion within the sport. He also called for greater sustainability in F1, advocating for greener technology and practices, including the push for carbon-neutral racing. His advocacy for racial justice, particularly following the death of George Floyd and the subsequent global protests, positioned Hamilton as not only a sports icon but also a leading voice in social change. His actions off the track have had a lasting impact, helping to redefine what it means to be a modern athlete in a globalized world.
5. The End of an Era at Mercedes
Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes after more than a decade is the end of an era for both the driver and the team. Under his leadership, Mercedes transformed from a team in search of success to the dominant force in Formula 1. Hamilton’s partnership with Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, has been one of the most successful in F1 history, built on mutual respect and a shared drive for excellence.
However, in recent seasons, the dominance that once defined Mercedes has waned, with Red Bull and Max Verstappen taking the spotlight. As the team adapts to a changing F1 landscape, Hamilton’s decision to seek new challenges at Ferrari comes at a time when he and Mercedes are no longer the sport’s top team. His departure may signal the beginning of a new phase for Mercedes, while also opening a fresh chapter in Hamilton’s career.
6. Looking Ahead: A New Challenge with Ferrari
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 is one of the most intriguing developments in recent F1 history. Ferrari, a team with a rich legacy but recent struggles, presents a unique challenge. Hamilton has always spoken about his desire to challenge himself, and a switch to Ferrari offers an opportunity to revitalize his career in a new environment. It’s a bold move, one that aligns with his pursuit of greatness and his desire to continue fighting for titles.
At Ferrari, Hamilton will face the pressure of joining a team that, while historically one of the most successful in Formula 1, has struggled to consistently deliver championship-winning cars in recent years. However, the allure of Ferrari—both the history and the challenge—may be the perfect way for Hamilton to round off his career, should he add a world title with the Scuderia to his already impressive tally.
Conclusion
Lewis Hamilton’s legacy at Mercedes is one of unparalleled success, a period in which he redefined what it means to be a Formula 1 driver. From his historic championship victories to his role as a global ambassador for the sport, Hamilton’s time at Mercedes will be remembered as a golden era for both the driver and the team. As he prepares for a new challenge with Ferrari, fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see how Hamilton, now entering the twilight of his career, adapts to a new environment and continues to inspire a new generation of drivers. His legacy, however, is already secure: one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, and a man who left an indelible mark on the sport both on and off the track.
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