Exactly a decade ago, the unthinkable happened. A decision that would go on and change the course of history books. On this day, 10 years ago, Mercedes announced the signing of Lewis Hamilton. The rest, as they say, is history. Since signing for the Silver Arrows, Lewis has won 6 World Championships and further helped them to win 8 consecutive championships on the spin.
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Lewis Hamilton’s move to Mercedes was much criticized when Mercedes announced it on Twitter. Furthermore, fans and many pundits didn’t think he could add much to his 21 race wins and 1 World Title when he signed for a ‘mid-table’ team.
But Lewis Hamilton did what he does best – prove the haters wrong. After adding 6 titles to his name and becoming the only person in history to win more than 100 races, it is safe to say his move has paid massive dividends.
His records speak for themselves as he has absolutely dominated the Turbo-Hybrid era with the Silver Arrows. Furthermore, he only lost out on his record 8th title in a controversial manner after Max Verstappen was allowed to overtake Lewis on the final lap of the race.
Mercedes’ Twitter announcement of Hamilton’s signing was met by lots of criticism and hate. Fans were upset with Lewis’ decision to join a ‘mid table’ club as well. However, they must be kicking themselves watching Hamilton fly now.
Tweets that did not age well – Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes edition
Most fans shared a quick laugh on Lewis Hamilton’s move to Mercedes when it was announced almost a decade ago. However, it was the boy from Stevenage who had the last laugh.
@MercedesAMGF1 @LewisHamilton congratulations now the team will have 2 loosers
— andreas hadjikoumis (@andreashadjikou) September 29, 2012
@MercedesAMGF1 @lewishamilton more chance of lewis winning the lottery then winning a RACE with merc!!!
— dale barraclough (@themadestpanda) September 28, 2012
Is that not a bit like moving from Manchester United to West Ham?
— dystainak (@dystainak) September 28, 2022
@MercedesAMGF1 @lewishamilton now I stop supporting…. Hamilton is not the driver you need
— RB (@Ronny2410) September 28, 2012
Moreover, many fans were upset that they replaced the 7-time World Champion with ‘somebody else’. Wonder how they must be feeling right now.
@MercedesAMGF1 You have lost not just the best driver of all time today, but a lot of fans. Believe me.
— Biggest Twix (@BiggestTwix) September 28, 2012
@MercedesAMGF1 Bad news! Losing the most successful driver in F1 for 'somebody else'
— Chris (@Chris_Murphy1) September 28, 2012
@MercedesAMGF1 @LewisHamilton Fuck! I prefer Michael Schumacher the seven times world champion!
— Simone Viganò (@vigasim) September 28, 2012
@MercedesAMGF1 This is a big mistake! You are nothing without Michael! Bye-bye!
— Igor Popov (@PopovIgor) September 28, 2012
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After watching Sir Lewis and Mercedes dominate for a better part of the decade, these fans would be kicking themselves for typing something of the sort.
WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton & Fernando Alonso Are The Last Men Standing As Sebastian Vettel’s Exit Marks The End Of Iconic F1 Era
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Lewis has had a splendid time with Mercedes so far. However, he’ll be looking to pull them out of the dark times they are in currently. Without a win so far this season, Hamilton and Mercedes will be targeting the Singapore GP. Can Lewis Hamilton bring the glory days back to the Silver Arrows garage?