Mercedes has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, will leave the team at the end of the 2024 season, despite signing a new two-year contract just before the Italian Grand Prix last year. Hamilton is set to join Ferrari next year on a multi-year deal.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the end of their successful partnership, stating, “In terms of a team-driver pairing, our relationship with Lewis has become the most successful the sport has seen.”
He added that although the partnership would eventually conclude, their focus is on delivering a strong 2024 season.
Lewis Hamilton, who has raced for Mercedes since the 2013 season, exercised a release option to leave the team after just one additional season. He will still race for Mercedes in 2024 alongside George Russell but will replace Carlos Sainz at Ferrari in 2025.
Hamilton expressed gratitude for his 11 years with Mercedes and the achievements they accomplished together. He called the decision to leave one of the hardest he has ever made but mentioned that the time is right for a new challenge. Committed to his final season with the Silver Arrows, Hamilton aims to deliver the best performance.
Ferrari’s decision also means that Carlos Sainz, the current driver, will leave the team at the end of 2024 after four years with the Scuderia. Expected to join Audi’s F1 project in 2026, Sainz will race for Sauber in 2025 preceding Audi’s Formula 1 entry.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming F1 seasons, setting the stage for a new chapter in his illustrious career with one of the sport’s most iconic teams.
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