F1 star compares Hamilton switch to huge Miami move

Hamilton, 2023, Mercedes, F1, generic — Photo: © IMAGO

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F1 star compares Hamilton switch to huge Miami move

F1 star admits he was pinching himself over dramatic switch

By Jim Kimberley.

Monday 12 February 2024 02:57

Alex Albon has admitted massive surprise at Lewis Hamilton's impending switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, comparing it to a huge move in another sport.

Hamilton completed a blockbuster move to Maranello ahead of the 2025 season, bringing an end to his Mercedes career where he has won six world championships since joining the team in 2013.

The Brit's move has been the talk of the paddock, and that includes the Williams star's team boss James Vowles who has already weighed in on Hamilton's pending arrival at Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton will be joining Ferrari from Mercedes in 2025

Hamilton's Ferrari Announcement a "pinch-yourself moment"

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Speaking to the media including GPFans, Vowles' lead driver Albon echoed his Team Principal's thoughts surrounding its impact on Formula 1.

"It's great for the sport," claims Albon. "What a news story it was; I definitely didn't see it coming. But good for him.

Like the wider world, the Thai driver had no idea whether the speculation had any foundation.

"There are so many rumours going over winter. You didn't know what had any credibility or not. The Ferrari one definitely seemed to be a rumour to me at the very beginning of the story, and then it turned out to be a real thing.

"It reminds me of the Messi Miami transfer on such a huge scale. It just shows you the appetite for Formula One but also, raises a lot of questions in the driver market as well, and it opens that up."

Alex Albon admits he was left stunned by Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari move

F1 2024 is "even crazier"

Like Albon, Williams teammate Logan Sargeant was also well aware of the implications for the driver market.

"It opens doors," says the American, "which is going to make the season even crazier. I was surprised. I was shocked. It shows Lewis can go wherever he wants.

"I think if that's what he feels like will remotivate him to keep improving and ultimately try and win another world championship, then you have to respect and understand the decision."

Williams unveiled their FW46 in New York City, which they hope propels them further up the grid in 2024.

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes James Vowles