The 39-year-old states that although he would always be “forever grateful” for Mercedes’ “incredible support,” a new challenge is now warranted.
The 39-year-old British driver said in a statement, “I’m so proud of what we have accomplished together. I have had an amazing 11 years with this team.”
Since I was thirteen years old, Mercedes has been a part of my life.
“Leaving was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make because it is a place where I have grown up.”
“But the time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge.”
With 176,000 likes in the first 40 minutes, Ferrari’s announcement on X that he will join “on a multi-year contract” in 2025 appeared to be well-received by fans.
The seven-time winner is anticipated to take Carlos Sainz’s spot at the storied Italian squad.
While Sainz’s contract with Ferrari expires at the end of 2024, Charles Leclerc, another driver for the team, recently signed a new, long-term contract.
Although Hamilton had previously been connected to Ferrari, he decided to stay at Mercedes last summer by signing a £100 million two-year contract.
The transfer puts an end to an incredible collaboration in which Hamilton won six world titles from 2014 to 2020.
He hasn’t won a race since 2021, though, as Mercedes has subsequently slowed down.
According to the team, Hamilton had activated a release clause in his contract that he signed the previous year.
