There was big news coming out of Formula 1 on Thursday with the seven-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, confirming that he is set to join a new team next year.

The Mercedes-Benz as well as Hamilton confirmed that he’ll be racing for the team for the last time this season as he target’s a record-breaking eight world title.

The 39-year-old Hamilton has penned a contract to race for Ferrari from 2025 where he will replace Carlos Sainz on a two-year deal.

In a statement Mercedes confirmed that Hamilton will race for them for the last time this coming season.

“Lewis has activated a release option in the contract announced last August and this season will therefore be his last driving season for the Silver Arrows.”

Hamilton in turn said the team where he won six world titles has been a big part of his life and it was one of the hardest decisions that he has had to make.

“I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I'm so proud of what we have achieved together,” said Hamilton.

“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.”

Ferrari has also confirmed that he will be driving for them in 2025, while Sainz also confirmed he will leave the team to make way for Hamilton. Sainz indicated that he will be making an announcement about his future in due course.

It has been suggested that the Spanish driver could take Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes, while it is also speculated that he could make a return to Red Bull.

Hamilton hasn’t won a single F1 race since December 2021 largely due to Max Verstappen’s dominance over the last three years.

The F1 season starts on 2 March with the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport