Famed British race car driving Lewis Hamilton is making headlines for reasons other than his on-track performance. Last week, Hamilton sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 (F1) sport when it was announced on Thursday that the legendary driver would say goodbye to his long-time Mercedes-Benz team and move over to Ferrari.
Of course, the move comes after Hamilton has spent his entire F1 career with Mercedes, having started with McLaren in 2007, then continued with the brand’s main F1 team, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1, in 2013. Hamilton signed a new deal with the team last summer that was set to secure him until 2025. Hamilton, however, terminated the contact before seeing it through, thanks to an exist clause.
Team Statement
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 1, 2024
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
Hamilton will finish the season with Mercedes and move to Scuderia Ferrari for next season, on a multi-year contract. In case you somehow missed it, this news sent shockwaves through the sport — and the internet in recent days.
ADVERTISEMENT  |
“It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a range of emotions,”
Lewis Hamilton
Over the weekend, Hamilton took to social media to clear the air and explain his decision to part with Mercedes in favour of Ferrari. “It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a range of emotions,” began Hamilton in the post, before confirming his plans to switch teams.
Hamilton undoubtedly leaves a lasting legacy with the Mercedes-Benz brand, having won six career championships with the team. “I feel incredibly fortunate, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only dream of as a kid, that now I have the chance to fulfill another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red.”
Naturally, it wasn’t an easy choice to make, especially in the face of global scrutiny. “Mercedes has been a huge part of my life since I was 13 years old, so this decision has been the hardest I’ve had to make,” Hamilton continues. “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 Toto, for his friendship, guidance, and leadership. Together we have won titles, broken records and became the most successful Driver-Team partner. And of course I cannot forget Niki who was a huge supporter and who I still miss every day.”
ADVERTISEMENT  |
Hamilton goes on to recognize the Mercedes-Benz board and everyone at the company in Germany and around the world for their support over the years. Tellingly, he says he just knew it was the right decision to move on, saying that the “time is right” to make a change and take on a new challenge. “I remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined with Mercedes in 2013,” reflects Hamilton in the post. “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.”
With that said, Hamilton stresses that he’s not focused on 2025, rather, the upcoming season. “I am more driven than ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again,” he writes. “I am 100% committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on high.
What’s the lesson here? Sometimes, you just have to do you.
ADVERTISEMENT  |
Hamilton ended his lengthy caption on a gracious note. “Thank you to all of you who have been on this journey with me, you have all lifted me up as I chase my dreams, and I hope I can continue to make you proud,” he wrote. “As always, sending you my love and positive energy.”
