Hamilton only finalized a two-year extension with
“I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together.
Hamilton moved from McLaren to
News first broke early Thursday about Hamilton's move, but it took the remainder of the day for the teams to address the speculation.
Next came a statement from current Ferrari driver
“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. News about my future will be announced in due course.”
Hamilton will finish his run at
Hamilton will be 40 when he moves into a red and black uniform to represent Ferrari. His last championship was in 2020 and he was enroute to a record-breaking eighth title in the 2021 season finale until a controversial finish gave the title to
Ferrari, meanwhile, has not won a drivers’ title since
The Hamilton move is fairly stunning, even after prolonged negotiations on the extension he signed last year led to speculation he was considering a move to another team. During one news conference last season, Leclerc was asked about the rumors of a new teammate at Ferrari and turned to Hamilton, laughed, and said “Hello, Lewis.”
Still, Hamilton signed the
Instead, Wolff said both sides knew their relationship “would come to a natural end at some point, and that day has now come.”
“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; Lewis will always be an important part of
Hamilton also praised Wolff for his leadership.
“I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my
Leclerc ended last season with three podiums in the last four races as Ferrari began to show signs of being able to contend with
There had been reports for much of last season that Hamilton was being personally courted by Ferrari chairman
“I hope it can be useful not only for the competitiveness of the team but that it also represents a way to attract attention to the Scuderia, which was needed,” said Montezemolo, who led Ferrari from 1991 to 2014 when the team won six drivers titles and eight constructors championships with
“Hamilton is a great champion who will want to end his career by winning the world title. Leclerc is seeking his first title, so it will be fun,” Montezemolo continued. “But with two No. 1s, it will be even more important to have a winning car — that will be key, otherwise this choice could end up being a big risk.”
F1's preseason testing begins in
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