Lewis Hamilton says this is the right time for him to leave Mercedes after it was announced he would be joining Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The 39-year-old has been on the books of Mercedes for 12 years and has won six drivers’ championships, the last which came in 2020. His earlier career from the feeder series to his debut with McLaren were all powered by Mercedes.
Hamilton’s signed a one year extension with Mercedes last year and will therfore end his association with the German manufacturer at the end of the 2024 season, and is hoping to end it on a high after two years of underperformance with the car.
“I have had an amazing 11 years with this team [Mercedes] and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together,” Hamilton said on the F1 website.
“Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old. It’s a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.
“But 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 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 I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember.”
2025 ????#F1 pic.twitter.com/NfmIl3GL6C
— Formula 1 (@F1) February 1, 2024
Hamilton will replace Carlos Sainz Jr. and partner Charles Leclerc for the 2025 season. He will be the first black driver to race for the Italian automobile giant who are the most successful constructor with 15 titles.
