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F1. Lewis Hamilton decided not to immediately tell his parents that he was moving to Ferrari, even though the decision had been made some time before. Lewis Hamilton’s parents were forced to learn of the transfer from the media since it was publicized earlier than anticipated due to leaks in the paddock.

On February 1st morning, the news was announced, following Lewis Hamilton’s breakfast-time announcement to Mercedes team manager Toto Wolff that the seven-time champion would be joining Ferrari come 2025. Mercedes and Ferrari did not formally disclose this unexpected adjustment until they had synchronized their announcements later in the evening because the story broke first.

Hamilton claimed he hadn’t told his parents earlier that day. In an interview with Joseph Fiennes for the brand-new BBC podcast “F1: Back at Base,” the driver said, “I didn’t talk to anyone.” It wasn’t until the day of the announcement that I informed my parents. Thus, nobody was aware. My desire was to accomplish it for myself. Ultimately, I had to decide what was best for myself.”

Hamilton’s contract extension from last summer allowed for his exit, which will conclude a 12-year tenure at Mercedes. In reality, the seemingly straightforward two-year contract was actually a one-year fixed-term deal with a one-year extension option. Mercedes promoted this idea, and Wolff said, “We are adults, we knew that by signing a short-term contract, it could benefit both parties,” at the time of the departure announcement. He made the decision to go because we were unable to commit to a longer time frame.”

Hamilton went on, “It happened very quickly and, in fact, I have known Fred [Vasseur, the principal of the Ferrari F1 team] for a long time. And for me, I was excited for a new year, but I wasn’t sure what the future held for me or how long I would keep racing, and all I knew was that I felt super motivated and excited to keep racing. The opportunity just presented itself, and I thought, ‘OK, I need to think for a moment.’ I didn’t have much time to think, so I had to go with my gut.”