Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton will bid farewell to Mercedes and join Ferrari for the 2025 season.
The surprise decision came after Mercedes announced that Hamilton had invoked a release clause in his contract, making the ongoing season his final season with the Silver Arrows.
Lewis Hamilton's illustrious career at Mercedes, spanning an impressive 11 years, has voiced the difficulty of leaving a team that has been an important part of his life since he was 13 years old. "I've had an amazing 11 years with this team and I'm proud of what we've achieved together. "Mercedes has been a part of my life since I was 13 years old," Hamilton said as he recalled his journey with the team.
Ferrari, in response to this surprising move, has officially confirmed the arrival of Hamilton, who will work with Charles Leclerc on a multi-year contract. The 39-year-old Briton had discussions with Ferrari in 2019, making the shift a realisation of previously explored possibilities.
The announcement was made at a meeting at Mercedes headquarters, where team principal Toto Wolf informed staff that Hamilton would be leaving at the end of the 2024 season. Lewis Hamilton's existing contract with Mercedes, which initially covers two seasons in 2024 and 2025, contains a clause that allows him to explore other opportunities after one season.
Hamilton's decision to leave Mercedes was driven by a desire for a new challenge, as well as his disappointment with the controversy of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Joining Ferrari not only marked a change in the landscape of Hamilton's team, but also gave him the opportunity to overtake legendary Michael Schumacher in pursuit of his eighth World Title.
While Ferrari has faced uncertainty in recent seasons, the arrival of Lewis Hamilton will breathe new life into the team and hold track for an exciting and competitive victory in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The motorsport community is eagerly awaiting how this move will reshape the dynamics of Formula 1 as Hamilton, Ferrari and fans embark on a journey full of anticipation and excitement.