“Hamilton will have known at Mercedes that the long-term plan was to bring Kimi Antonelli into the team. “I cannot see him quitting before the end of the contract that he has signed, which is at least the end of 2026. “The only scenario where he may quit is if he wins the title and retires as an eight-time world champion.

It was an announcement that transcended the sports world and carried over into the world at large. Family members and friends who knew nothing about Formula 1 were asking for a comparison, and the idea of Tom Brady leaving the New England Patriots for the New York Jets, or the Dallas Cowboys, was quickly offered as a comparison.

Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari after his move from Mercedes, has shared his first post since a minor crash during testing.