After months of speculation and a stunning move to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton has finally broken his silence about his dramatic exit from Mercedes, the team with which he won six of his seven world championships. In a candid and emotional interview, the British racing icon revealed the personal toll of the transition, stating, “They turned their backs on me…”

Hamilton’s comments have sent shockwaves through the F1 world, highlighting a rift that many suspected but few had confirmed—until now.

“I gave them everything,” Hamilton said during an exclusive sit-down with Sky Sports F1. “All the wins, the championships, the battles. I thought I’d finish my career there. But when I brought up future plans and voiced concerns about performance, I felt ignored. It was like they had already moved on from me.”

The tension reportedly began in the latter half of the 2023 season, when Mercedes struggled to match the pace of Red Bull and Aston Martin. Hamilton had publicly and privately urged the team to adopt more aggressive development strategies. However, insiders suggest that Mercedes began shifting its focus toward younger talent, particularly George Russell, leaving Hamilton feeling sidelined.

The final straw, according to Hamilton, was the team’s unwillingness to provide clarity on their long-term vision. “I wasn’t looking for special treatment,” he explained. “I just wanted to be part of the conversation. But it became clear I was no longer the priority.”

Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari was a seismic moment in the sport. Announced at the beginning of 2024, it marked the end of a legendary era. Mercedes issued a statement praising Hamilton’s contributions, but remained tight-lipped about the internal dynamics that led to the split.

Now, with Hamilton finally speaking out, fans are reacting with mixed emotions—ranging from support and admiration to disappointment in Mercedes. Social media has been flooded with hashtags like #JusticeForLewis and #MercedesBetrayal, while former drivers and analysts weigh in on the potential long-term impact of Mercedes losing its most successful driver.

Despite the emotional weight of his words, Hamilton made it clear he holds no grudges:

“I’ll always respect what we achieved together. But this is a new chapter. Ferrari offered me a seat, but more importantly, they offered me a voice.”

As the 2025 F1 season unfolds, the spotlight will remain firmly on Hamilton and Ferrari. With pressure mounting and expectations sky-high, his quest for an eighth world title now takes place in red, not silver.