Sir Lewis Hamilton is set to leave Mercedes-AMG Petronas come the 2025-26 Formula 1 season, joining Scuderia Ferrari on a multi-year contract. The 39-year-old pledges his allegiance to the Silver Arrows’ Italian grid rivals, describing the move as “one of the hardest decisions” he has made throughout his 17-year career.
Activating a release clause disclosed in his previous contract renewal with Mercedes-AMG Petronas, Hamilton parts ways with an organization where he claimed seven world titles under team principal and CEO Toto Wolf. Turning over a new leaf, the decision of the British racer’s departure follows two challenging-winless years, struggling to “adapt to F1’s latest ground effect era.”
In a circular published by Formula 1, the seven-time world champion recollected his experience in the driver's seat of his 11-year franchise, mentioning his gratitude and excitement heading into the next chapter of his career.
“I have had an amazing 11 years with this team [Mercedes] and I'm so proud of what we have achieved together…Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old,” said Hamilton.
“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,” he added.
Instagram: @mercedesbenz and @mercedesamg
As Hamilton enters his curtain call with Mercedes, he signs with his third organization, occupying a vacant seat alongside Monégasque Charles Leclerc with the expiration of Carlos Sainz’s contract at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Instagram: @carlossainz55
Following the announcement of Scuderia Ferrari’s new acquisition, Sainz confirmed the transfer through a statement via social media.
“Following today's news, Scuderia Ferrari and myself will part ways at the end of 2024…We still have a long season ahead of us and, like always, I will give my absolute best for the team and the Tifosi all around the world. “News about my future will be announced in due course,” mentioned the 29-year-old Spaniard.
