Lewis Hamilton created shockwaves in 2012 when he announced his decision to leave McLaren and join Mercedes. It was a huge gamble at the time, as Mercedes was relatively a new team on the grid without a rich history or a successful track record. However, Hamilton’s gamble paid off massively as he added 6 titles to his existing one with McLaren in his trophy cabinet.

Understandably, some of the McLaren executives were frustrated about losing a talent like Hamilton to Mercedes. There was no denying that Lewis was one of the most sought-after drivers on the grid. Former McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh even went on to threaten Lewis that he wouldn’t win a title if he left McLaren. The rest, as we all know, is history.

Whitmarsh mentioned, “Mercedes is a great partner of ours and they are a great team. But for anyone leaving McLaren, and he wants to win, I think that’s a mistake because I have faith and belief in this team.”

He added, “I wouldn’t advise anyone to leave McLaren if they want to win”

Even the former McLaren chief, Ron Dennis, wasn’t too happy with Hamilton’s decision. Dennis stated, “I think it’s wrong to portray that Lewis left this team. At the end of the day, you end up with a situation where you’re going to separate if the circumstances aren’t right. Life isn’t about one person deciding anything. It’s never that way. It’s about circumstances.”

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Ironically enough, the Mercedes man remains the last driver to lift a championship with the Woking-based team.

Lewis Hamilton reveals what convinced him to join the Silver Arrows

In an interview, he credited 2 people for making the move possible. The two people were Ross Brawn and the late Niki Lauda.

Hamilton told Sky Sports in an interview with Valentino Rossi, “Mercedes were a part of my team before.” He also said, “But they were really struggling. They were like the fifth-best team, but Ross Brawn came to my house, my mum’s house in the kitchen – we had tea. He’s telling me the different things they’re doing to progress as a team, and I’m thinking to myself, ‘this is very surreal’…”

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Hamilton then reminisces about his conversation with Niki when the Austrian asked him to join the team. Consequently, he questioned the 3-time title winner about Mercedes’ inability to win races. Lauda told Lewis to ask Brawn the same question for answers.

The 103-race winner eventually joined the Silver Arrows. He credited both Brawn and Niki Lauda for their collective efforts that convinced him to make the switch.

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Not many would have the courage to make such a daring leap of leaving a successful outfit like McLaren in Formula 1. His bravery and fearlessness are a few qualities that make him a champion driver. Do you think Lewis will end up winning his record-breaking 8th title?