Lewis Hamilton is to make a move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula One season on a multiyear contract, the Italian team confirmed on Thursday.
The seven-time world champion and winner of a record 103 races will drive for Mercedes this coming season before replacing Carlos Sainz the following year.
Hamilton, 39, signed a new two-year contract with Mercedes last year but exercised a release option to allow him to walk away from the team after just one season.
Hamilton said leaving Mercedes „was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.”
He added: „The time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge. I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes.”
Ferrari, F1’s most successful team and the only one to have competed in every world championship season, has not won a drivers title since Kimi Raikkonen’s in 2007.
Hamilton, tied with Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher with seven titles, now has a chance to become F1’s most decorated champion in the process.
Rumors of Hamilton joining Ferrari have been common throughout his career, but Thursday’s news still caught people off guard, including Mercedes, reflected in the fact they have not yet confirmed a driver to replace him.
Ferrari chairman John Elkann, known to be a long-time admirer of Hamilton’s ability, wanted Ferrari to add a big-name driver.
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