Lewis Hamilton has revealed he was told his career was “over” when he left McLaren for Mercedes in 2012.

The F1 star won his first title with McLaren in 2008, when the Stevenage-born driver won ahead of Felipe Massa.

Four years later, he decided to leave the company, a move that was widely reported at the time.

The decision ultimately paid off, with Hamilton winning six more titles with the Silver Arrows in the following years to establish himself as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time.

Lewis Hamilton has revealed he was told his career was “over” when he left McLaren for Mercedes in 2012.

The F1 star won his first title with McLaren in 2008, when the Stevenage-born driver won ahead of Felipe Massa.

Four years later, he decided to leave the company, a move that was widely reported at the time.

The decision ultimately paid off, with Hamilton winning six more titles with the Silver Arrows in the years that followed to cement himself as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time.

Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton has revealed he was told his career was “over” when he left McLaren for Mercedes in 2012.REUTERS
Now, speaking to the Performance People podcast, Hamilton has shed light on the call to leave.

He said joining the Silver Arrows was a “defining moment” in his career, with many quick to criticise his decision at the time.

Hamilton also claimed he was told his career was “over” – but is happy to have proved his doubters wrong as he prepares to drive for Ferrari next year.

“That was probably when I decided to join Mercedes,” he said.