Hamilton describes leaving the Mercedes F1 team for Ferrari as the “hardest decision”
Lewis Hamilton believes his choice to quit Mercedes was one of the “hardest decisions” he has made in Formula One, as his move to Ferrari was confirmed on Thursday night.
After a tumultuous day of happenings, with Hamilton’s surprise move sending shockwaves through F1, Mercedes ended speculation in the evening by announcing that the seven-time champion would depart the squad at the end of the year.
As predicted, Hamilton had exercised an out provision in his contract, allowing him to join Ferrari in 2025.
Hamilton spoke for the first time about the decision to end his long affiliation with Mercedes, saying: “I’ve had an incredible 11 years with this team and I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
“Mercedes has been in my life since I was 13 years old. It’s where I grew up, so making the decision to leave was one of the most difficult I’ve ever had to make. But the moment has come for me to take this move, and I am excited to face a new challenge.
“I will be eternally grateful for the amazing support of my Mercedes family, particularly Toto for his friendship and leadership, and I want to finish on a good note 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.”
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team leader, said he accepted Hamilton’s choice to join a competition, but said his team was enthusiastic about the options available as it considers a replacement for 2025.
“In terms of a team-driver pairing, our relationship with Lewis has become the most successful the sport has seen, and that’s something we can look back on with pride,” he said. “Lewis will always play a vital role in Mercedes motorsport history.
“However, we knew our partnership would come to a natural end at some point, and that day has now come.
“We accept Lewis’s decision to seek a fresh challenge, and our opportunities for the future are exciting to contemplate.
“But for now, we still have one season to go, and we are focused on going racing to deliver a strong 2024.”
Shortly after the announcement of Hamilton’s move, Sainz issued a response confirming his Ferrari exit.
“Following today’s news, Scuderia Ferrari and myself will part ways at the end of 2024,” Sainz wrote on his social media channels.
“We still have a long season ahead of us and, like always, I will give my absolute best for the team and for the tifosi all around the world.
“News about my future will be announced in due course.”
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