THE motorsport world was left shell-shocked by what many deem to be the biggest Formula 1 driver transfer in recent memory, and possibly ever — seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes, his home for 11 years, to join Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.
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After days of speculation and subsequent confirmatory statements from both teams, Hamilton has finally broken his silence to address his forthcoming move to the oldest and most successful constructor in the sport's 74-year history.
Lewis Hamilton to drive for Ferrari in 2025
"It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions. But as you all now know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025," Hamilton said in an Instagram post on Saturday evening.
"I feel incredibly fortunate, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only have dreamed of as a kid, that I now have the chance to fulfill another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red," he added.
The house that Lewis built
Amid recent competitive struggles at Mercedes in the midst of a Red Bull uprising led by three-peat champ Max Verstappen, Hamilton stands alone with the most number of race wins (103) and remains tied with F1 great Michael Schumacher as the sport's only seven-time world champions.
Having won six of his seven world titles with Mercedes, the latest of which in 2020, the time has finally come for the 39-year-old British ace to face the difficult decision of moving on from the 'most successful driver-team partnership in F1 history.'
"Mercedes has been a huge part of my life since I was 13 years old, so this decision has been the hardest I’ve ever had to make. I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve achieved together and I’m very grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone I have worked with over the years and of course [Mercedes team principal] Toto (Wolff), for his friendship, guidance and leadership.
"Together we have won titles, broken records and become the most successful Driver-Team partnership in F1 history," Hamilton said.
Hamilton added: "But the time is right to make a change and take on a new challenge. I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined Mercedes in 2013. I know some people didn’t understand it at the time but I was right to make the move then and it’s the feeling I have again now. I’m excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together."
Chase for number 8 continues
Now in the midst of a rare four-year title drought after an unrivaled domination of the last decade, Hamilton vows to bring Mercedes back to winning ways as a fitting farewell to the eight-time constructors' champions — all in the midst of a quest for an eighth driver's title of his own.
"Right now, I’m not thinking about 2025. My focus is on the upcoming season and getting back out on track with Mercedes. I am more driven than ever, I am fitter and more focused than than ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again. I am 100 percent committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high."
Hamilton and his teammate and fellow British racer George Russell will embark on one last ride together in the 2024 F1 season starting March before suiting up for the iconic Italian racing outfit alongside one of the sport's brightest young talents in Monegasque ace and five-time race winner Charles Leclerc.
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