February 03, (THEWILL) – Seven-time Formula One champion, Lewis Hamilton, shocked the motorsport world on Saturday, by announcing that he will leave Mercedes at the end of 2024, to join Ferrari on a multi-year deal. The 39-year-old Briton said the move will allow him to fulfil a childhood dream of driving for the iconic Italian team.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Hamilton stated that walking away from Mercedes was the “hardest decision I’ve ever had to make”, having been associated with them since the age of 13. However, he feels the time is right to embrace a new challenge with Ferrari, evoking memories of when he sensationally left McLaren for Mercedes in 2013.
Hamilton will be seeking to leave Mercedes on a high in what will be his 10th season with the team, having helped them win six straight constructors championships since 2014. Ferrari has not won a driver’s title since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007, the year a rookie Hamilton narrowly missed out on the championship during a stunning debut season for McLaren.
With 103 grand prix wins, Hamilton is now F1’s most successful driver ever. However, his last victory came back in December 2021. The 20-time race winner said he remains “more driven than ever” to compete in the upcoming 2024 campaign before realising his childhood Ferrari dream the following year.
The record-breaking 24-race 2024 F1 season begins in Bahrain on March 2. Hamilton will be bidding to win an eighth world championship crown to cement his legacy, before embarking on a new chapter with the sport’s most iconic team.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
