Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes, marking the end of an era in Formula One. The seven-time world champion announced his departure from the team on February 1, 2024, after 11 successful seasons together. He will be joining Ferrari in 2025 for a multi-year contract.
The move came as a surprise to many, as Hamilton and Mercedes have dominated the sport in recent years, winning six of the last eight constructors’ championships and six of Hamilton’s seven world titles. Haunted by the controversial Abu Dhabi finale, Lewis Hamilton’s winless streak stretches back to the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, casting a shadow over his pursuit of an eighth world title.
“It’s been a crazy few days filled with a whole range of emotions,” said Hamilton in media reports as he broke the silence on the move.
“The time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025,” he added. “I feel incredibly fortunate, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only have dreamed of as a kid, that I now have the chance to fulfil another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red.”
Ferrari have not won a drivers’ championship since 2007, and they will be hoping that Hamilton can help them end their drought. The pairing of Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, who recently signed a new contract with Ferrari, is one of the most exciting in Formula One history, and it will be fascinating to see how they perform together.
“The time is right to make a change and take on a new challenge,” said Hamilton. “I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined Mercedes in 2013. I know some people didn’t understand it at the time but I was right to make the move then and it’s the feeling I have again now.
“I’m excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together. However, right now, I’m not thinking about 2025. My focus is on the upcoming season and getting back out on track with Mercedes.”
- In a private meeting, Lewis Hamilton revealed his decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari to team principal Toto Wolff on Wednesday. This move marks a significant shift in the Formula One landscape.
Wolff said it came as a “surprise” but that he did not “hold a grudge” against his friend.
