What Happened to Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton?
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion and one of the sport's most successful drivers, made a shock move from Mercedes to Ferrari, starting in the 2025 season. After a challenging and winless first year with Ferrari in 2025, he has shown a significant resurgence in the early part of the 2026 season, securing his first podium with the Italian team and demonstrating improved form.
Quick Answer
Lewis Hamilton made a high-profile move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season after a long and successful career with Mercedes. His debut year with Ferrari in 2025 proved challenging, as he finished sixth in the Drivers' Championship without a single podium finish. However, the 2026 season has seen a positive turnaround, with Hamilton securing his first podium for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix and showing renewed competitiveness. As of March 24, 2026, he is actively competing with Ferrari, aiming for his first win with the team and an eighth world title.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Formula 1 Debut with McLaren
Lewis Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix with McLaren, immediately showcasing his talent.
First F1 World Championship
Hamilton clinched his first Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship in a dramatic season finale at the Brazilian Grand Prix, becoming the youngest champion at the time.
Joins Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
In a surprising move, Hamilton left McLaren to join Mercedes, a decision that would usher in an era of unprecedented dominance.
Dominant Hybrid Era and Multiple Championships
Hamilton and Mercedes dominated the hybrid era of Formula 1, winning six World Championships between 2014 and 2020, bringing his total to seven.
Controversial Title Loss in Abu Dhabi
Hamilton narrowly missed out on a record eighth world title in a highly controversial final race of the season against Max Verstappen.
Signs New Mercedes Contract with Exit Clause
Hamilton signed a new two-year contract with Mercedes, which surprisingly included a release option for the end of the 2024 season.
Announces Shock Move to Ferrari for 2025
In a bombshell announcement, Hamilton confirmed he would leave Mercedes at the end of 2024 to join Scuderia Ferrari from the 2025 season.
Wins British Grand Prix (Last Mercedes Win)
Hamilton secured his record-breaking ninth British Grand Prix victory, which would ultimately be his final win with Mercedes.
Officially Joins Scuderia Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton officially began his tenure as a Ferrari Formula 1 driver, marking a new chapter in his career.
Ends Challenging 2025 Season Without a Podium
Hamilton concluded his first season with Ferrari in 6th place in the Drivers' Championship, failing to secure a single podium finish, making it his toughest season.
Rumored Relationship with Kim Kardashian Sparks
Dating rumors between Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian intensified after they were seen together at the Super Bowl LX, following earlier sightings in Paris.
4th Place at Australian Grand Prix
Hamilton started his 2026 season strongly with Ferrari, finishing fourth in the opening race in Australia, indicating improved performance.
First Ferrari Podium at Chinese Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton secured his first podium finish for Ferrari, coming in third at the Chinese Grand Prix, ending a 16-month drought.
Current Status: Preparing for Japanese Grand Prix
As of today, Lewis Hamilton is preparing for the Japanese Grand Prix, holding fourth place in the Drivers' Championship and showing strong form in his second season with Ferrari.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Lewis Hamilton's career took a dramatic turn with the announcement in February 2024 that he would be leaving Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team at the end of the 2024 season to join Scuderia Ferrari from 2025 on a multi-year contract. This move, widely described as one of the biggest in Formula 1 history, came after Hamilton had signed a two-year extension with Mercedes in August 2023, which included a release clause he activated. The decision was driven by a desire for a new challenge and Ferrari's long-term vision, particularly concerning the new regulations set to be introduced in 2026, which Hamilton believed offered a better path to an elusive eighth world title.
The 2024 season, his final with Mercedes, was marked by both highs and lows, including a record-breaking ninth British Grand Prix victory. However, it was also a season of adaptation and some struggles, with Hamilton admitting it was a 'turbulent' year due to the impending move. He ended 2024 with a fourth-place finish in his final Mercedes race, showcasing his enduring skill.
His inaugural year with Ferrari in 2025 proved to be statistically the most challenging of his illustrious career. Hamilton finished the season in sixth place in the Drivers' Championship with 156 points and, for the first time in his F1 career, failed to secure a single podium finish. He described 2025 as a "very draining" year, struggling to consistently match his teammate Charles Leclerc and adapt to the SF-25 car.
As of March 24, 2026, Hamilton has entered his second season with Ferrari with renewed optimism and a more positive mental attitude. The early races of the 2026 season have seen a significant improvement in his performance. He finished fourth in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and, crucially, secured his first podium for Ferrari with a third-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix. This marked the end of a 16-month podium drought. Ferrari's SF-26 car appears to be a stronger package, and Hamilton has been heavily involved in its development, with changes aligning more with his preferred driving style. He is currently fourth in the drivers' championship, just one point behind Leclerc, and is seen as being "back to his best, both mentally and physically." Off-track, Hamilton has also been linked with a rumored romantic relationship with Kim Kardashian, with sightings in Paris and Tokyo in early 2026 adding to media speculation.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton made different choices?