Hamilton signed a new contract with Mercedes last summer to keep him with the club until 2025, but he recently used a release provision in his contract to leave one year early and join Ferrari on a multi-year deal.
READ MORE: ‘I carry no animosity’ – Wolff on Hamilton’s Ferrari move, how he was informed, and the search for a replacement
The move sent shockwaves through the sport, as fans, paddock celebrities, and even Hamilton’s current team manager, Toto Wolff, were taken aback by the happenings.
Hamilton reiterated on Instagram that his decision to quit Mercedes was “the hardest I’ve ever had to make” and that he will always be grateful for his time with the Silver Arrows, where he won six of his seven world championships.
“It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions,” Hamilton remarked. “But, as you all know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to embark on a new chapter in my life, and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.”
“I feel incredibly fortunate, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only have dreamed of as a kid, that I now have the chance to fulfil another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red.
“Mercedes has been a huge part of my life since I was 13 years old, so this decision has been the hardest I’ve ever had to make.
“I’m extremely pleased of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m grateful for the hard work and devotion of everyone I’ve worked with over the years, particularly Toto, for his friendship, wisdom, and leadership.
“Together, we have won titles, broken records, and established the most successful Driver-Team partnership in F1 history. Of course, I can’t forget Niki [Lauda, former Mercedes Non-Executive Chairman], who was a big supporter and someone I really miss every day.
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