Simultaneously, Ferrari announced Hamilton's signing on a multi-year contract. The British driver, who shares the record for the most F1 world titles with Michael Schumacher, will join forces with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, replacing Carlos Sainz.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the natural end of their partnership, stating, "We accept Lewis’s decision to seek a fresh challenge, and our opportunities for the future are exciting to contemplate." Mercedes, despite finishing second in the constructor standings last season, has faced challenges in maintaining its dominance in recent years.

The move comes at a time when Hamilton, a seasoned driver, faced an unusual dry spell with two years without a Grand Prix win – a rarity in his illustrious career. This move as Hamilton's last big chance at the age of 39 and suggests that joining Ferrari, a team that has always appealed to him, breathes new life into the sport.

Lewis Hamilton's switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season is undoubtedly one of the most significant transfers in Formula One history. The unexpected move has generated excitement and speculation about the potential dynamics between Hamilton and Leclerc, as well as the impact on Mercedes' future. As the F1 community eagerly anticipates the 2025 season, Hamilton's decision adds a new chapter to his storied career and injects fresh intrigue into the competitive landscape of Formula One.