Johnny Herbert predicted Lewis Hamilton's retirement plans prior to Ferrari switch
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Lewis Hamilton is set to race with Ferrari in 2025, marking what could be the final chapter of his illustrious Formula 1 career as he chases an unprecedented eighth world championship title.
For much of 2023, it seemed likely that Hamilton would remain at Mercedes, having signed a contract extension mid-season. His deep ties to Mercedes extend beyond racing, with several of his ventures, including partnerships with Tommy Hilfiger and his foundation Mission 44, closely aligned with the German manufacturer.
However, the move to the Maranello team, long rumored in the paddock, became a reality after Mercedes fell behind Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship standings. The British driver reportedly activated a performance clause in his contract, allowing him to join Ferrari for 2025.
This week, Lewis Hamilton made his highly anticipated debut in a Ferrari F1 car, taking to the Fiorano Circuit in the SF-23. Around 3,000 Tifosi fans gathered to witness the historic moment as the seven-time world champion completed 30 laps, officially beginning his tenure with Formula 1's most iconic team.
While the exact length of Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari contract remains undisclosed, it is widely speculated to cover at least two years, especially with the next major regulation changes set to take effect in 2026. At 40 years old, Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari is expected to be his final career shift in the sport.
Meanwhile, Johnny Herbert has shared his perspective on what Lewis Hamilton's life might look like after Formula 1. Speaking in the book *Lights Out, Full Throttle*, co-written with Damon Hill, Herbert expressed doubts that Lewis Hamilton would pursue racing in any other form after retiring from F1.
Although the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has shown interest in other motorsports, such as MotoGP and NASCAR—having tested vehicles in both disciplines— Johnny Herbert believes the Briton is unlikely to continue racing once his Formula 1 journey concludes. Instead, Lewis Hamilton's post-F1 chapter may see him focus on his other passions and ventures beyond the racetrack.
Johnny Herbert expressed his belief that Lewis Hamilton is unlikely to remain in Formula 1 once he retires from driving. While acknowledging the possibility that he could be wrong, Herbert admitted he would be surprised if Hamilton chose to stay involved in the sport. He added that Hamilton's continued presence in F1 would be highly beneficial, given his immense popularity, which extends far beyond the sport itself.
The British former racing driver and broadcaster speculated on Lewis Hamilton's widespread influence, pointing out that although many of his 14 million Instagram followers and 4 million Facebook followers are likely F1 fans, a significant portion might not be. Nonetheless, as long as Hamilton remains connected to Formula 1, Herbert noted, he would continue to serve as a prominent ambassador for the sport.
Lewis Hamilton has been preparing for life beyond Formula 1 for years, carefully cultivating a variety of interests and projects that extend far beyond the racetrack. Whether through his ventures in fashion, music, or initiatives to promote diversity in STEM fields, the seven-time world champion has positioned himself to thrive in a post-F1 world.
In 2020, Hamilton launched Mission 44, a charitable foundation aimed at empowering young people, particularly those from black and underrepresented communities, to pursue careers in STEM. The initiative underscores Hamilton’s commitment to driving meaningful change and leaving a lasting impact outside of motorsport.
Hamilton's creative pursuits are also well-documented. He has dabbled in music production, sharing snippets of his work on social media and even collaborating with Christina Aguilera under the alias 'XNDA.'
In the fashion world, Hamilton serves as a brand ambassador for Dior, contributing to the design of several collections. His influence in the industry has grown steadily, with his collaborations highlighting his eye for style and innovation.
Given these diverse endeavors, it's clear Hamilton is building a multifaceted legacy that ensures his relevance and influence will continue long after his Formula 1 career ends. In a world where many athletes fade from the spotlight upon retirement, Hamilton appears poised to transition seamlessly into a life enriched by his passions and projects.
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