It's officially confirmed: Hamilton is leaving Mercedes

The announcement was expected, and it has arrived: after Mercedes staff were informed by team management earlier in the day about Lewis Hamilton's transfer to Ferrari, the deal has now been officially announced by the teams involved. The Brit will make the switch to the Italian team after next season.

Formula 1 has recieved a shockwave. After the first rumours emerged in the morning hours via Italian and Spanish media, it became clear during the day that Hamilton was indeed about to sign his commitment from 2025 at Ferrari. After the Mercedes team members were addressed by team boss Toto Wolff and technical boss James Allison, everyone knew for sure: Hamilton is leaving the team with which he has enjoyed great success since 2013.

Hamilton will go on the hunt for his eighth world title with Ferrari - assuming he fails to do so next season with Mercedes. At the Italian team, Hamilton will get Charles Leclerc as a teammate. The Monegasque last week extended his commitment until reportedly the end of 2029. Ferrari made no announcements about the exact contract length.

Sainz leaves Ferrari

At Ferrari, Hamilton will succeed Carlos Sainz, the Spaniard whose contract expires after next season. In recent months, the general expectation was that Sainz - winner of the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix - would extend his commitment. But the Spaniard and the Scuderia failed to agree on the length of the contract: Sainz wanted security for several years, Ferrari did not want to go beyond a one-season contract (with an option for an additional year). It is unclear where Sainz will continue his career.