Mercedes has sparked backlash after reportedly denying Lewis Hamilton a coveted ambassadorial role, instead appointing three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny as their new ambassador. The move has left fans questioning the team’s decision shortly after Hamilton’s exit ahead of the 2025 season.
Hamilton’s journey with Mercedes began in 2013 when he joined the Brackley-based Formula 1 team. Over his tenure, the British driver secured six Drivers’ World Championships and played a key role in Mercedes achieving eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships. His initial plans involved continuing his partnership with the team under a 1+1 contract arranged with team principal Toto Wolff.
However, tensions arose as Hamilton expressed dissatisfaction with Mercedes’ refusal to offer him a multi-year contract extension. Reports indicate that the team also declined to grant him an ambassadorial role, which contributed to the 40-year-old athlete choosing to activate his exit clause and accept a drive with Ferrari for the 2025 season.
Following Hamilton’s departure, Mercedes expanded its collaborations within the Formula 1 landscape and chose to bring Bad Bunny into the fold as an ambassador. This decision has drawn sharp criticism across social media platforms, where fans have voiced their disbelief over favoring a music icon over a racing legend.
“Mercedes making Bad Bunny an ambassador over Lewis was a choice for sure,”
one fan wrote.
“Mercedes looked at Lewis Hamilton, a driver who won 6 WDC & helped them win 8 WCC and said we are not making you an ambassador. We have a better option and he’s called bad bunny,”
another fan posted.
The frustration from some supporters was palpable:
“My respects to Bad Bunny, he’s been working his tail off for years. But what the hell was Merc thinking disrespecting Lewis like that?!?!”
one netizen shared.
“How many championships does he have,”
questioned another user.
“UNBELIEVABLE,” added a third.
Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected shift from Mercedes to Ferrari
Having spent over a decade with Mercedes and accumulating six drivers‘ world titles, Hamilton’s sudden move to Ferrari surprised many in the Formula 1 paddock. The transition was unexpected, particularly because he had recently signed a contract extension with Mercedes, signaling intentions to remain with the team.
Hamilton himself revealed the emotional impact of the change during an interview with TIME Magazine, describing how the news initially overwhelmed him and required time to process.
“I literally just signed with Mercedes… It was a lot to take in, and my emotions were really high. So I honestly had to go for a walk.”
As of the current 2025 season, the seven-time world champion has accumulated 109 points, aiming to build on this total before the upcoming summer break interrupts the racing calendar.
The broader implications of Mercedes’ ambassador choice
Mercedes’ decision to pass over Hamilton for an ambassadorial role in favor of Bad Bunny has stirred unrest among fans and the broader motorsport community. Hamilton’s monumental contributions to the brand, marked by record-breaking title wins and driving excellence, underpin arguments questioning why the team would not honor his legacy through such a position.
The partnership with Bad Bunny signals Mercedes’ intent to diversify its brand appeal beyond the traditional realm of motorsport, tapping into popular culture and expanding its global reach. However, the controversy may affect public perception, especially among F1 enthusiasts who closely associate the Mercedes name with Hamilton’s successful era.
Looking ahead, responses from both Hamilton and Mercedes will be closely watched as the 2025 F1 season progresses, particularly given the shifting dynamics within the paddock and brand strategies. Fans remain eager to see how this decision will impact the relationship between Hamilton and his former team, as well as Mercedes’ future engagement in the sport.