Multi-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton to join Ferrari in 2025

By Can Erozden

Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton will join Scuderia Ferrari in 2025, the Italian racing team confirmed on Thursday.

"Scuderia Ferrari is pleased to announce that Lewis Hamilton will be joining the team in 2025, on a multi-year contract," it said on X.

Hamilton, 39, has raced for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team since the 2013 season, winning six of his seven F1 titles.

He last won the F1 world title in 2020.

"I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I'm so proud of what we have achieved together. 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," Hamilton said, adding that it is the "right time" to leave.

"... I'm excited to be taking on a new challenge," he said.

Hamilton thanked the Mercedes family for their "incredible support", and pledged to do his best in the 2024 season that will start on March 2 in Bahrain.

"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 (Mercedes), one to remember," he added.

Hamilton will team up with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in 2025 as the driver from Monaco has recently extended his deal with the team.

Leclerc's current teammate, Carlos Sainz will leave Ferrari at the end of 2024, the Spanish racer said.