In a shocking turn of events, seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed his intention to leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season. He had signed a two-year extension with them before activating a release clause that allowed him to change teams and set up his move to Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton mixed his feelings of leaving Mercedes, where he won six of his seven titles, with the anticipation of a new challenge at Ferrari, the team for which he has immens admiration.
When Hamilto was asked what had changed from the renewal of the signing with Mercedes last summer to signing with Ferrari, Hamilton revealed in some thoughts behind the decision: “When we signed last summer I kind of saw my future with Mercedes. Then the new year came around and an opportunity presented itself. It was a decision that wasn’t easy at all. Mercedes supported me for 26 years. It has been an incredible journey with them. We’ve made history in this sport, and I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved.
Current Ferrari F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr. announced his departure from the team at the end of 2024, after Ferrari confirmed a multi-year contract for Hamilton starting in 2025.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is going to be one of the most dramatic in Formula One history, and everyone is simply dying for it to shake up the sport.
Hamilton’s Journey with Mercedes
Since 2013, Hamilton has become the highest-winning driver in F1 history with 103 wins. Much like the past years have been trying, so his time in the team has exposed unprecedented success and record-breaking performances.
In Bahrain, Hamilton tried to shed the idea that his immediate focus was the 2024 season with Mercedes. He emphasized that this would be the season in which he would leave the team with a big bang, saying, “This chapter isn’t finished yet. I am only thinking about strong performances this year and achieving the best results possible for the Silver Arrows. It’s a big goal for me and the team. I believe in every single person here. We have made some incredible progress so far, and I’m just hoping that we can still close that gap to Red Bull and continue to have success together.”
What’s Next?
Now, Hamilton moving to Ferrari would bring new dynamics into Formula One. He will leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season, and he, as much as the fans, looks forward to some new challenges and opportunities which await Ferrari
