Sensational change in Formula 1: record world champion Lewis Hamilton is moving from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025. Both teams have now confirmed this.
What had been reported by various media throughout Thursday (February 1, 2024) was first confirmed by Mercedes and then by Ferrari in the evening: the farewell to Formula 1 record world champion Lewis Hamilton (39) at the end of this season is certain. Ferrari then confirmed access on “X” and wrote of a “multi-year contract”.
Hamilton to Ferrari, it was the topic of the day. Of course in Italy, where the “Gazzetta dello Sport” wrote: “It is the official confirmation of the earthquake that occurred during the day.” One topic was Hamilton’s move to Ferrari but also on the stock exchange.
The shares of the Italian luxury car manufacturer rose to a record high of $389.45 by the close of trading on New York’s Wall Street on Thursday evening, more than twelve percent above Wednesday’s price. The group’s positive outlook also recently contributed to a sharp increase in its stock market value. Above all, the prospect of Hamilton in the red racing car from 2025 has now reached a high.
Toto Wolff looks to the future with “exciting possibilities”
“We knew that our partnership would come to a natural end at some point, and that day has now come,” said Mercedes Motorsport Director Toto Wolff: “We accept Lewis’ decision to take on a new challenge, and at the same time it is presented to us exciting possibilities for the future.”
Hamilton spoke of “one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. But the time is ripe for me to take this step and I’m looking forward to taking on a new challenge.”
“Sky Sports” and BBC: Mercedes meeting
According to the BBC and Sky Sports, Wolff announced Hamilton’s departure to the team members in Brackley in a meeting with the staff on Thursday afternoon.
Just last August, Mercedes extended the contracts with the two Brits Hamilton and teammate George Russell until the end of 2025. From 2026, new engine regulations will apply in the premier class of motorsport.
Always Ferrari speculation
Since Hamilton’s defeat on the last lap in the 2021 season finale, Max Verstappen has dominated Formula 1 with Red Bull. Hamilton, with the Silver Arrows since 2013, and Mercedes only drive in the shadows. There have been repeated speculations about Hamilton’s possible move to Ferrari in recent years.
Hamilton will soon be Leclerc’s teammate
From 2025, Hamilton will drive alongside Monegasque Charles Leclerc, who only signed a long-term contract at the beginning of the year. The current second Ferrari driver is Carlos Sainz from Spain, but his contract has not been extended beyond the coming season.
The new season – with 24 Grand Prix, the longest in the history of the premier motorsport class – begins with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 2nd. It will be the last time Hamilton drives for Mercedes.