Mercedes claims Lewis Hamilton did not want to regret not racing for Ferrari in ‘thirty years time’
Mercedes Communications Chief Bradley Lord shed light on the reason behind Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari.
Follow Us
Fred Vasseur and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)
Mercedes Chief of Communications Bradley Lord expressed his views on Lewis Hamilton’s departure for Ferrari. The Briton has completed the first half of the 2024 season and just another left before he leaves his team of success. Hamilton who won six world championship titles with the team and led them to eight consecutive constructors titles, will continue to fight hard in his final season with Mercedes this year.
Bradley Lord in an interview stated that Lewis Hamilton informed him and others that he didn’t want to miss the opportunity to drive for Ferrari. Lord stated, Hamilton didn’t want to look back in thirty years, relaxing in his old age and regret not having driven for Ferrari. Ferrari is a team with legacy, where every driver wants to be in their cockpit. Driving for Maranello is a significant opportunity for every driver on the grid and Lewis Hamilton wanted to avoid any ‘what if’ moments in his future. So when the chance arrived to drive for Ferrari, the Briton without hesitation went for it. This ensured he wouldn’t miss out on a dream and avoid future regrets.
The way he said it to me, and to others, is he didn’t want to sit in his pipe and slippers in thirty years time and go ‘God I wish I had driven for Ferrari’ so when the opportunity came he followed his gut.Bradley Lord said.
Bradley Lord stated that when they got to know about his departure, the situation was complex and unexpected for them. He acknowledged that the team understands and respects his decision to leave. Lord stated that Hamilton’s departure was a challenge for them to deal with as he had been with the team for over a decade and created an unbreakable bond.
Yes it was difficult, complicated, surprising but we understand it as a team.Bradley Lord stated.
Mercedes claims Lewis Hamilton’s eighth title at Ferrari would be ‘icing on the cake’
Bradley Lord explained that at Mercedes, they understood that if Hamilton went on to achieve his dream of winning his eighth championship with Ferrari. It will be a great final touch to his career just like icing on the cake. However, he noted the majority of his success would always be attributed to his time with Mercedes. The team recognized that while this potential success with Ferrari would be notable. But the foundation of his achievements, including the record setting victories and titles will always be with Mercedes.
At Mercedes we know, if Lewis goes on to achieve his dream of that 8th title with Ferrari it’ll be the icing on the cake but the big chunk of that cake is always going to be Mercedes.Bradley Lord explained.
Bradley Lord highlighted that in the coming 10 to 15 years, Lewis Hamilton will still remain the most successful driver at Mercedes. He emphasized that no matter how much time passes, the Briton’s achievements and impact on Mercedes will remain unmatched. His success is so significant that it will be remembered for many years. Lord mentioned his legacy as the most successful driver in Mercedes’s history will continue to be recognized. The company will celebrate his success long into the future.
In 10 years, 15 years time, he’s still gonna be the most successful racing driver this company and this team has seen.Bradley Lord added.
Certainly, Lord admitted there would be no driver that would match what Hamilton has decorated at Mercedes in coming years. He highlighted Lewis Hamilton would remain their top driver for at least the next 10-15 years. Bradley Lord reckoned it’s next to impossible to achieve what the seven-time-world champion has did in these years.
In case you missed it:
- Sergio Perez ‘confident’ for a strong weekend at Spa after ‘comfortable’ outing in Hungary
- Max Verstappen claims Red Bull must move forward from ‘weekend to forget’ at Hungary
Stay Updated!
Gaurang Kadam
(535 Articles Published)