Hamilton surprised many, including his team principal, by invoking an exit clause in his contract even before the commencement of the first Grand Prix of his latest two-year agreement, which he had only agreed to in August of the previous year.
Instead of continuing with Mercedes in 2025, he has opted to join Ferrari after securing a multi-year deal with the Maranello-based team.
It’s uncommon in Formula 1 for both driver and team to know, prior to the start of a season, that it will be their final one together.
This raises questions about the level of support Hamilton will receive from Mercedes, or whether the team will prioritize George Russell, their future prospect.
This is the primary concern for team principal Wolff, according to former F1 driver Stuck.
“I anticipate a challenging 2024 season for Hamilton and Mercedes,” Stuck told Eurosport. “The extent of support from Toto Wolff remains uncertain.”
While Wolff has pledged transparency and fairness in racing matters, he has hinted at a potential shift in development focus towards the future.
As the season progresses and Mercedes concentrates on 2025, Hamilton might find himself excluded from crucial discussions, considering his impending move to Ferrari.
Stuck believes this transition will pose challenges for all parties involved, emphasizing the importance of long-term planning.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari comes with a reported contract worth $446 million, including salary and a joint investment fund with Ferrari’s parent company, Exor.
Stuck believes this lucrative deal will ease Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari, but he questions how well Hamilton will adapt to Ferrari’s unique system.
Despite his star status, Hamilton will likely need to adjust to the dynamics at Ferrari, particularly with regards to his teammate, Charles Leclerc.
With Leclerc expected to be the focal point of Ferrari’s championship ambitions, Stuck suggests that Hamilton may face tough competition within the team, potentially impacting his legacy.
While Hamilton has the potential to secure an eighth title, Stuck warns that losing to Leclerc could tarnish his illustrious career.