Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes Formula 1 driver, announced his departure from the team at the end of 2024 season. He claims his decision to leave the Mercedes is one of the “hardest decision”.
The news of British driver’s decision rippled through F1 arena. The Mercedes team confirmed the news at end of a speculative day. It announced the departure of seven-time world champion at the end of the season.
Latest contract between Hamilton and Mercedes had a exit clause, which enabled him free to join rival team, Ferrari.
Hamilton spoke for the first time after the news and said: “I have had an amazing 11 years with this team. And I’m so proud of what we have achieved together.
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“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. But the time is right for me to take this step. And I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge.
“I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership. And 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, one to remember.”
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team boss, he accepted the decision with an open heart. Additionally, he claims it has opened an opportunity of excitement for the team to find an alternative.
“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 explained. “Lewis will always be an important part of 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.”
Following the Hamilton’s announcement, Sainz confirmed his Ferrari departure.
“Following today’s news, Scuderia Ferrari and myself will part ways at the end of 2024,” Sainz wrote.
“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.
