Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes confirm seven-time F1 world champion activated release clause to leave team and join Ferrari
Mercedes has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has activated a release clause in his contract to leave the team and join Ferrari for the 2025 season. The news comes after months of speculation about Hamilton’s future and follows a recent statement from Sky F1’s Martin Brundle, who suggested that Hamilton might be seeking a new challenge at Ferrari.
In a statement, Mercedes announced that Hamilton will part ways with the team at the end of the 2024 season. Hamilton expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from Mercedes over the past 11 years but stated that the time is right for him to take on a new challenge. He will be joining Ferrari on a multi-year deal and will be partnering with Charles Leclerc, creating a formidable driver lineup.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff acknowledged that the partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes has been incredibly successful and expressed pride in their achievements. However, he also accepted Hamilton’s decision to seek a fresh challenge and stated that the team is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. With Hamilton’s departure, Mercedes is now in search of his replacement, with George Russell currently holding the other seat until the end of 2025.
The news of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks a significant development in the world of Formula 1. The union between the sport’s most famous driver and its most famous team has been a subject of speculation for years, and it seemed that the opportunity had passed when Hamilton agreed to a contract extension with Mercedes last August. However, circumstances have now changed, and Hamilton will embark on a new chapter of his career in Italy.
Hamilton’s association with Mercedes dates back to his time with McLaren in 1998, and he has won six out of his seven world championships with the team since joining in 2013. However, the lure of driving for Ferrari, a team with a rich history and heritage, seems to have played a significant role in his decision.
The news of Hamilton’s move leaves Carlos Sainz, who currently drives for Ferrari, searching for a new seat on the grid after his contract expires at the end of this season. Sainz released a statement expressing his commitment to giving his best for Ferrari this season while mentioning that news about his future will be announced in due course.
As the F1 world processes the shocking news, pundits and experts have offered their perspectives on Hamilton’s decision. Martin Brundle believes that Hamilton’s recent changes, including the return of a longtime mentor, indicate a renewed focus on his racing career. Karun Chandhok speculates that Hamilton may have lost confidence in the Mercedes project or has been enticed by the romantic allure of driving in Ferrari red. Damon Hill compares Hamilton’s move to his decision to leave McLaren and join Mercedes, stating that he may have once again made a strategic decision that will pay off.
The 2024 season will be Hamilton’s last with Mercedes, and fans will be eagerly watching as he concludes his time with the team that has been a significant part of his life. Meanwhile, the anticipation for the start of the 2025 season will be heightened as Hamilton joins Ferrari, forming an electrifying driver lineup with Charles Leclerc.
With Hamilton’s departure, Mercedes faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement to fill his shoes and maintain their competitiveness on the track. The coming seasons promise exciting battles between two of F1’s greatest rival teams, Mercedes and Ferrari, with fans eagerly awaiting the showdown between Hamilton and his former team.
In conclusion, Lewis Hamilton’s decision to activate a release clause in his contract and leave Mercedes to join Ferrari has sent shockwaves through the world of Formula 1. The move represents a new chapter in Hamilton’s illustrious career and adds another layer of excitement and anticipation to the sport. Fans will be eagerly watching as Hamilton and Ferrari aim to make their mark in the 2025 season and beyond.
