2024-02-01 19:33:04
Lewis Hamilton will soon no longer be a Mercedes driver. The Formula 1 team formalized this Thursday evening the departure of the Briton at the end of the 2024 season. At 39, the seven-time world champion activated a departure clause which had existed since the renewal of his contract last year . In the process, Ferrari formalized its arrival for several years from 2025.
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and Lewis Hamilton will part ways at the end of the 2024 season. Lewis has activated a release option in the contract announced last year.
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 1, 2024
Lewis Hamilton has been driving for Mercedes since 2013. After six first seasons at McLaren, the Briton joined the German team, with whom he broke numerous records. He has notably been champion six times (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020). He was then beaten by Max Verstappen, which frustrated him a lot and pushed him to look elsewhere.
“I have spent 11 extraordinary years with this team and I am very proud of what we have achieved together,” Lewis Hamilton said in a press release. Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13. It’s a place I grew up, so the decision to leave was one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make. But the time has come for me to take this step and I am excited to take on a new challenge. »
Several years of contract at Ferrari
A few minutes after this announcement, Ferrari announced the arrival of the Briton from 2025 and for several seasons. The Scuderia has been making eyes at the driver for many years. He will therefore be associated with Monegasque Charles Leclerc, who recently extended his contract with the Italian team. “Scuderia Ferrari is pleased to announce that Lewis Hamilton will join the team in 2025, on a multi-year contract,” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Team Statement
Scuderia Ferrari is pleased to announce that Lewis Hamilton will be joining the team in 2025, on a multi-year contract. pic.twitter.com/moEMqUgzXH
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 1, 2024
Despite this very early announcement, Lewis Hamilton wanted to reassure his fans and the entire Mercedes team, he “wants to finish in style”. “I will always be grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership, and I want to finish on a high note with them,” he assured. I am 100% committed to delivering the best possible performance this season and making my final year with the Silver Arrows a memorable year. »
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