Lewis Hamilton‘s move to join Ferrari for the 2025 Formula One season comes as a surprise departure from Mercedes.
Key Points:
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton will switch teams from Mercedes to Ferrari after the 2024 season. This move comes as a surprise to many fans.
Hamilton chose to leave Mercedes by activating a clause in his contract. He had been with Mercedes for 11 years.
At Ferrari, Hamilton is expected to replace Spanish driver Carlos Sainz. This decision follows Charles Leclerc signing a new contract with Ferrari.
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton will switch from Mercedes to Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season, as both teams revealed on Thursday.
Lewis Hamilton has chosen to depart from Mercedes after an 11-year stint with the team. According to Mercedes, Hamilton “activated a release option” in his contract. Toto Wolff, the team’s Principal and CEO, acknowledged their successful partnership, which he considers the most successful in the sport’s history. However, Wolff also noted that they anticipated their collaboration would conclude naturally at some point, and that time has now arrived.
We understand Lewis’s choice to pursue a new challenge, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead. But for now, we’re focused on the upcoming season and delivering a strong performance in 2024,” Wolff stated.
Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 and won six of his seven world titles with the team between 2014 and 2020.
Ferrari announced on Thursday that Lewis Hamilton will join their team in 2025 on a multi-year deal.
There’s been a lot of talk about Hamilton possibly joining Ferrari lately, even though he had said he planned to stick with Mercedes. But today, news reports hinted that the move could happen soon.
Mercedes has been like family to me since I was 13. Leaving them was tough,” Hamilton said. “But I’m ready for a new challenge.” He added, “I’m fully focused on giving my best this season with Mercedes, making it a memorable one.
Last August, Hamilton extended his contract with Mercedes until 2025, but it’s unclear if there was an exit option.
If Hamilton joins Ferrari, he might replace Carlos Sainz.
The new Formula 1 season begins in Bahrain on February 29th.
Lewis Hamilton Early life and education:
Lewis Hamilton, a renowned Formula One racer, was born on January 7, 1985, in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. His father, Anthony Hamilton, hails from Grenada, while his mother, Carmen Larbalestier, is British. Hamilton faced racial discrimination during his upbringing but persevered in racing with his father’s encouragement. He began karting at a young age and later found success in Formula One. Hamilton attended The John Henry Newman School in Stevenage while pursuing his racing career.
Lewis Hamilton Junior racing career:
Lewis Hamilton’s path to Formula One began in karting, where he displayed his talent early on. After winning championships and catching the eye of McLaren’s Ron Dennis, he moved up to car racing in Formula Renault and Formula Three. His breakthrough came in GP2, winning the championship in 2006. This success earned him a seat at McLaren for the 2007 Formula One season, marking the start of his illustrious career in the sport.
Lewis Hamilton Legal Issues:
In December 2007, Hamilton faced a one-month driving suspension in France and had his car impounded after being caught speeding at 196 km/h (122 mph).
In March 2010, Hamilton’s car was impounded by Victoria Police for 48 hours after he was observed deliberately losing traction.
In 2017, Hamilton’s company opposed Swatch Group’s trademark application for “HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL.” However, the European Union Intellectual Property Office approved Swatch Group’s application in 2020.