Formula-1 Legend Hamilton Sensationally Leaves Mercedes and Joins Ferrari for £100 Million
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton will make a sensational switch from Mercedes to Ferrari next year in a multi-year contract that he has described as "one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make".
Lewis Hamilton has been with the Silver Arrows since the 2013 season and has won six of the team's seven world titles, adding to the crown he won with McLaren earlier in his career.
Now, Hamilton, 39, is set to end his brilliant long run at Mercedes to join the Formula One giants Ferrari for the 2025 season, despite agreeing to a two-year deal with his current team.
"Is Lewis Hamilton now turning into a red clown? Sir Lewis Hamilton must have forgotten everything he ever said about Ferrari and Mercedes," the British media wrote.
The Briton will complete only half of his new contract with the Silver Arrows and will move to the Reds in 2025. His last change after 17 years at Mercedes (since 2007 at McLaren, since 2013 in the working team) came as a surprise to most Hamilton fans, as well as a disappointment.
"I have had an incredible 11 years with this team [Mercedes] and I am very proud of what we have achieved together," said Hamilton.
"Mercedes has been a part of my life since I was 13 years old. It's where I grew up, so the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. But the time has come for me to make this move, and I am excited to take on a new challenge. I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership, and I want to finish on a high together. I am 100% committed to delivering the best performance possible this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows one to remember," Hamilton added.
Following the announcement that Hamilton would be leaving the Silver Arrows for Ferrari, the driver he will be replacing, Carlos Sainz, made his own statement on social media.
"After today's news, Scuderia Ferrari and I will part ways at the end of 2024," he said. "We still have a long season ahead of us and, as always, I will do my best for the team and for Tifosi around the world. News about my future will be announced in due course."
As The Gaze previously reported, Formula 1 has announced the introduction of new street racing in Madrid. Starting from the 2026 season, the Formula 1 calendar will include the Madrid Grand Prix. It will be another exciting urban street race of the championship, with the track passing through the historic city centre.
