Hamilton’s Secret Revealed After Mercedes Departure

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 champion, has unveiled a surprising secret following his departure from Mercedes. His final race with the Silver Arrows was at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2024, marking the end of an era before his highly anticipated move to Ferrari.

Recently, Hamilton was officially introduced by Ferrari at their Maranello headquarters, where he underwent rigorous test runs at the nearby Fiorano circuit and later in Barcelona. He is set to join forces with Charles Leclerc for the 2025 season, with his debut race scheduled for March 16 at the Australian Grand Prix.

Despite his transition to one of Mercedes’ fierce rivals, there appears to be no animosity between Hamilton and his former team. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has spoken highly of Hamilton, reciprocating the champion’s gratitude toward the team.

In a touching gesture that remained confidential for several months, Hamilton collaborated with renowned F1 portrait artist and sculptor Paul Oz to create a parting gift for Mercedes’ staff. Oz revealed the project on Instagram, sharing that Hamilton commissioned an original oil painting commemorating a poignant moment from Monaco 2019. This painting, depicting Hamilton’s pole position victory shortly after Niki Lauda’s passing, now adorns the walls of Mercedes’ Brackley headquarters, exclusively gifted to the team’s 3,000 employees.

Hamilton’s gesture underscores his appreciation for his time at Mercedes, encapsulating a legacy that extends beyond racing achievements. As he prepares for a new chapter with Ferrari, Hamilton’s thoughtful farewell gift serves as a testament to his enduring connection with his former team.