Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 champion, will make a remarkable transition from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025, signing a multi-year agreement. Hamilton called the move “one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.”
Since joining Mercedes in the 2013 season, Hamilton has secured six of his seven world championships with the team, in addition to his earlier triumph at McLaren.
Despite renewing his commitment to Mercedes last summer with a contract extending through 2025, this agreement will be terminated early to facilitate his notable move.
Following two difficult seasons for the Brackley-based team, which has struggled to adjust to the latest ground effect regulations in F1 and fallen behind Red Bull, Hamilton has opted for a change.
This move will see Hamilton join forces with Charles Leclerc, who has recently extended his contract with Ferrari beyond 2024, resulting in Carlos Sainz leaving the team at this year’s end.
Mercedes announced on Thursday evening that they and Hamilton would mutually part ways at the conclusion of 2024, with Hamilton exercising a release option in his contract. Shortly after, Ferrari announced the acquisition of the seven-time world champion starting from 2025 under a multi-year deal.
“I have had an amazing 11 years with this team [Mercedes] and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together,” Hamilton said. “Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old. It’s a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.
“But the time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge. I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together. I am 100% committed to delivering the best performance I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember.”
“In terms of a team-driver pairing, our relationship with Lewis has become the most successful the sport has seen, and that’s something we can look back on with pride; Lewis will always be an important part of Mercedes motorsport history,” Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal and CEO said.
“However, we knew our partnership would come to a natural end at some point, and that day has now come. We accept Lewis’ decision to seek a fresh challenge, and our opportunities for the future are exciting to contemplate. But for now, we still have one season to go, and we are focused on going racing to deliver a strong 2024.”
