BREAKING. Lewis Hamilton officially departs from the Mercedes team

Formula-1 driver Lewis Hamilton will not be extending his contract with Mercedes.

As reported by the Mercedes team, they and the Formula-1 driver Lewis Hamilton have mutually decided not to extend the contract at the conclusion of the 2024 season. Consequently, this season will mark Lewis Hamilton's final one with the German team.

Furthermore, this news marks the end of a 17-year collaboration with Mercedes-Benz in Formula-1 and an 11-year partnership with the factory team.

"In terms of the collaboration between the team and the driver, our relationship with Lewis has become the most successful in the history of the sport, and we can proudly look back; Lewis will always be a significant part of the history of Mercedes motorsport," stated Toto Wolff, the team's CEO.

He added that they are currently focused on the 2024 season and the upcoming races.

Lewis Hamilton himself expressed pride in what they have achieved together. Mercedes has been a part of his life since he was 13 years old.

"But the time has come to take this step, and I look forward to the new challenge. I will always be grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership, and I want to end my career at a high level together," added the driver.

Moreover, the Ferrari team has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will join the squad in the year 2025 and will sign a multi-year contract with the new collective.

It is worth noting, as reported by Daily Mail, that the British racer will join Ferrari in the summer. It is mentioned that this is related to the fact that Ferrari has not yet extended the contract with Carlos Sainz.

Hamilton has been racing for Mercedes since 2013. With this team, he became the Formula-1 champion six times, and he secured one trophy with McLaren.