Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has actually boosted Mercedes’ profits as new figures emerge

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Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was initially seen as damaging for Mercedes, but it has actually benefited the team greatly as revenue has increased since his departure.

The seven-time champion’s seismic move to Ferrari turned into a disaster in 2025, as he endured what was arguably his worst season to date. Hamilton failed to score a podium for the first time in a calendar year, and even referred to himself as ‘useless’.

Things have dramatically improved in 2026, as Ferrari have listened to Hamilton’s feedback and he feels more comfortable with the new regulations. However, Mercedes are now the dominant force on the grid, and are reaping the financial benefits in the meantime.

Predict at which race Lewis Hamilton will take his first Ferrari Grand Prix win?

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Mercedes profits have increased since Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari

As per a report from The Race, Mercedes could become the first F1 team to reach $1 billion in revenue by the end of 2026. Official accounts showed that the team’s revenue stood at £633.378 million, or $846 million, for the year ending December 31 2025.

Mercedes’ income was ‘pegged back’ in 2025 after the team finished fourth in the constructors’ championship in 2024. Hamilton won two races that year – his first since 2021 – but he recorded his lowest finish in the championship to date in P7.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Mercedes F1 Team from team principal to lineage

While Mercedes finished second last year, they still had to pay team bonuses based on that result, so they will ‘enjoy the uplift in prize money income from that finishing position’ this year.

Increased sponsorship has been a significant factor in Mercedes’ rising profits. Deals with the likes of Adidas and Meta AI have boosted their finances.

Another factor has been a reduction in driver wages since Hamilton’s departure. In 2024, Hamilton was on £43.5m a year at Mercedes, while his replacement, Kimi Antonelli, was on just over £9m in 2025.

Should Lewis Hamilton regret leaving Mercedes for Ferrari?

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Even with his new contract in 2026, Antonelli is on £9.4m at Mercedes, which is over £30m saved on driver salaries following Hamilton’s move to Ferrari.

Martin Brundle suggests Hamilton might regret leaving Mercedes as the team have now gone from strength to strength on and off the track since he left.

However, the Brit is starting to settle in at Ferrari and is getting the better of teammate Charles Leclerc in 2026. He feels a win in red is coming, and Hamilton thinks he can fight for the title against Antonelli, who is 66 points ahead after the Monaco GP.