Lewis Hamilton Contract Signing (2013)
The Mercedes W04: a car of breakthrough wins and a historic auction sale.
The Mercedes F1 W04 (originally known as the Mercedes AMG W04) is a Formula One racing car designed and built by the Mercedes team for use in the 2013 season. It was driven by Nico Rosberg and 2008 World Champion Lewis Hamilton.
Quick Facts
- Announcement date
- September 2012
Lore & Background
The W04 was revealed on 4 February at Jerez by its two drivers. It endured a difficult start to its season, developing a reputation for being harsh on its tyres. The car achieved its first win at the Monaco Grand Prix with Nico Rosberg, and later secured victories for Hamilton in Hungary and Rosberg in Britain. The team finished 2nd in the Constructors' Championship.
Reader's Guide
The W04 was driven by Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. Rosberg won in Monaco and Britain; Hamilton won in Hungary. The car suffered from tyre degradation issues early in the season.
Did You Know?
- The W04 chassis no.4, with which Hamilton won in Hungary, was sold at auction on 17 November 2023 for US$18.8 million (£15.1 million).
- In December 2024, Hamilton drove the W04 at Silverstone for the last time as a Mercedes driver.
- This was the first year Mercedes received sponsorship from BlackBerry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event does the 'Lewis Hamilton Contract Signing (2013)' refer to?
This refers to the historic announcement in September 2013 when Lewis Hamilton officially agreed to leave McLaren and join Mercedes-AMG Petronas. The signing ended his eight-year tenure with the British team and marked his entry into a new era of Formula 1.
Which teams were involved in this transfer?
The agreement saw Lewis Hamilton depart from McLaren Racing to become a driver for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. This shift represented a major realignment of talent within the sport's top tier.
How did this signing change the competitive landscape?
By joining forces with a manufacturer poised for greatness, Hamilton helped establish a period of unprecedented success that redefined the standards of performance in Formula 1. The partnership turned Mercedes into the primary rival and eventual leader against established giants like Ferrari.
What was the immediate outcome of this agreement?
The signing laid the immediate foundation for a multi-year dominance that would see Hamilton win multiple world championships with his new team. It signaled to the entire grid that the balance of power had permanently shifted toward Germany.
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