In a surprising twist that marks the most significant shift in the Formula One driver market in recent history, Lewis Hamilton has announced his departure from Mercedes at the end of the current season. The seven-time world champion will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025, signing a multi-year deal that reflects a major milestone in his illustrious career.
Hamilton, who has been an integral part of Mercedes since 2013, described the decision as one of the most challenging in his life. At 39 years old, the British driver has amassed six world championships with Mercedes and holds the record for the most wins in Formula One, with 103 victories. Despite the difficulty of leaving the team where he has grown up, Hamilton believes it’s the right time for a new challenge.
“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,” said Hamilton.
The move comes after Hamilton activated a release option in his two-year contract with Mercedes, signed in August of the previous year. While Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff expressed disappointment, he acknowledged that their successful partnership was bound to have a natural end.
“Lewis will always be an important part of Mercedes history. We accept Lewis’s decision to seek a fresh challenge, and our opportunities for the future are exciting to contemplate,” said Wolff.
Ferrari officially confirmed the signing, stating, “Scuderia Ferrari is pleased to announce that Lewis Hamilton will be joining the team in 2025, on a multi-year contract.”
Hamilton’s connection with Mercedes began when he joined McLaren as a junior driver, and Mercedes was the team’s engine supplier. His relationship with Ferrari has been the subject of speculation in the past, but Hamilton consistently reaffirmed his commitment to Mercedes. This move to Ferrari is a significant coup for the Italian team, securing the services of the most successful driver in Formula One.
Despite Mercedes’ recent struggles on the track, with Red Bull dominating, Hamilton remains committed to delivering his best performance in his final season with the Silver Arrows. The upcoming transition to Ferrari adds a new dimension to Hamilton’s storied career, and fans will be eagerly watching how the British driver adapts to his new team and whether he can contribute to Ferrari’s quest for championship glory.
