UNITED KINGDOM: In a surprising turn of events, Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton has announced his departure from Mercedes and a new chapter with Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season and beyond, marking the end of an era with the Silver Arrows.
Hamilton’s decision comes after facing challenges in adapting to recent F1 regulations and stiff competition from Red Bull. Despite signing a contract extension with Mercedes last year, he invoked a release clause, indicating a significant shift in his racing journey.
Joining forces with Ferrari, the seven-time world champion will team up with rising star Charles Leclerc, bringing anticipation for a formidable driver lineup. This move also means Carlos Sainz will make way for Hamilton, adding a layer of excitement to the upcoming season.
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Having been a pivotal part of The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team since 2013, Hamilton’s departure marks the conclusion of a 17-year association with Mercedes-Benz in F1, including an 11-year partnership with the works team.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has sparked hopes for a championship push in 2026, coinciding with major regulation changes. With Red Bull entering the engine manufacturing arena, the competition is expected to intensify. At 39, Hamilton views this as his final opportunity to solidify his status as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) by securing Ferrari’s first title in nearly two decades.
Reflecting on the decision, Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO of Mercedes, stated, “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. However, we knew our partnership would come to a natural end at some point, and that day has now come.”
Hamilton himself acknowledged the difficulty of leaving Mercedes, saying, “I have had an amazing 11 years with this team, and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together. Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old. It’s the place where I grew up, so deciding 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.”
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