One of the most successful drivers in the history of F1, Lewis Hamilton, will be driving for Scuderia Ferrari in the 2025 season. After spending 11 years with Mercedes and winning six championships, Hamilton has abruptly called it quits. It’s important to note that Lewis signed a two-year extension contract with Silver Arrows five months ago.
Thus, the fans, as well as Mercedes, have been caught off-guard by the sudden development. Apparently, Lewis Hamilton briefed Toto Wolff about his switch only 24 hours prior to the official announcement. Needless to say, all hell broke loose amongst the F1 fraternity. As speculations gained momentum, Mercedes formally announced Lewis’ departure in a joint statement.
Lewis Hamilton Refers To Mercedes As Family In Parting Statement!
A few hours after the first story of Lewis Hamilton’s alleged switch broke, Mercedes made a formal announcement. In a joint statement, team principal Toto Wolff and Hamilton publicly confirmed the breakup. Lewis Hamilton’s comments were relatively emotional. He revealed how proud he was of the achievements the duo attained together. Lewis added that Mercedes was the place where he grew up. And indeed, the decision to part ways was one of the hardest the driver ever had to make. But Hamilton confirmed that he thinks it’s the right time to move away and seek new challenges elsewhere. Regardless, the British driver expressed his gratitude for the unconditional support of the racing outfit and referred to Mercedes as family.
Lewis Hamilton also mentioned team principal Toto Wolff. He said that he rates his friendship with Wolff very highly. And to respect that relationship, Lewis intends to finish the final year at Mercedes on a high. Lastly, Briton confirmed that he is 100% committed to making his last year at Silver Arrows worthwhile and will put in his best efforts to produce results in 2024. Having said that, Lewis’ statement suggests how the move to Ferrari is all a part of his retirement plan. The timing is right for him because he is turning 40 next year. Lewis Hamilton has always wanted to drive for Ferrari. Also, since Mercedes and Ferrari are now side by side in the pecking order, he thinks Ferrari can offer him the championship-winning chance in 2025. Of course, finishing his F1 career with a record eighth championship in the iconic Reds is worth the risk.
Leclerc, Sainz Kept In Loop, But Wolff Ignored As Hamilton’s Drops Bombshell
Lewis Hamilton’s sudden switch to Ferrari caught Mercedes and team principal Toto Wolff by surprise. They were only informed 24 hours prior to the official announcement. However, interestingly, Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. were kept in the loop.
As per rumors, Leclerc had known about Hamilton’s switch when he signed a multi-year extension contract with Ferrari last week. Additionally, Sainz Jr was informed that he would no longer be a part of the team since Lewis Hamilton will take over in 2025. Amid this, Lewis chose to ignore Toto Wolff, which raised suspicion of an ugly fallout.
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