Lewis Hamilton Opens Up on Why He Walked Away From Mercedes for Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has opened up about his move from Mercedes to Ferrari, citing two reasons that could've played a role in the transfer.

At the start of the season, all eyes were on seven-time Formula 1 world champion Hamilton as he swapped the Silver Arrows for the Scuderia.

It was expected that Ferrari would challenge at the front of the grid with their driver line-up of Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

However, Ferrari's challenger for 2025, the SF-25, has proved to be problematic.

Leclerc currently sits fifth in the standings with 163 points, with Hamilton sixth on 117.

The Brit has largely struggled to adapt to his new surroundings and has even faced calls to retire, with many names linked with a move to Ferrari as his replacement.

Lewis Hamilton has endured a tough start at Ferrari. Image: Getty

Speaking recently to Motorsport Week, Hamilton appeared to claim that he became 'complacent' and 'comfortable' at Mercedes, which played a role in him looking for a new challenge.

He said: "I’m the type of person… I don’t like to get complacent and be comfortable, and that’s really kind of where I was with the long-term relationship I had before.

"And taking this step into a team that I truly believe in, and I still believe in the potential here and what we can achieve together, and I think everyone in the team does."

Hamilton added: "But no one succeeds without going through those tough patches, so I do welcome it, looking forward to the sunnier days for sure."

Looking ahead to 2026, Hamilton is hopeful that the Ferrari car will be more suited to his driving style.

The 40-year-old said: "I think this year, I’m arriving at the track and having to apply this new driving style that is still alien to me. It doesn’t feel natural to a car. That’s how it likes to work.

"So hopefully next year it’s not a driving style that’s alien to me. Hopefully can go back a little bit towards what I was used to."

The 2025 F1 season continues this weekend with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which will take place around the Baku City Circuit.