Lewis Hamilton quits Mercedes after 12 years of dominance

In the United Kingdom, Lewis Hamilton made an emotional departure from the Mercedes team after a remarkable twelve-year tenure, during which he secured six of his seven Formula 1 world championships. This farewell came after he announced that the upcoming 2025 season would mark his final year with Mercedes, shocking fans and the racing community alike. The announcement was made prior to the 2024 season, setting the stage for a significant change in Hamilton's career as he prepares to join Ferrari, a prominent shift in his long-standing loyalty to the Mercedes team. During Hamilton’s farewell at Mercedes' headquarters in Brackley, he expressed heartfelt sentiments to the staff who have supported him throughout his career with the team. In an emotional speech, he praised the incredible team behind him, reflecting on his journey and the memories they shared. He emphasized the importance of the relationships he formed with team members, stating that he hoped to return and visit them in the future. His presence on stage along with team principal Toto Wolff and teammate George Russell added to the significance of the occasion, marking a bittersweet end to a prolific era in Formula 1 racing. Hamilton's career at Mercedes was not without its challenges, especially with the struggles faced by the team in recent years. The 2024 season proved to be difficult for Hamilton, as he finished seventh overall, notably trailing behind his teammate George Russell and the championship leader Max Verstappen. This decline in performance further fueled speculation about his transition to Ferrari, leading to a new chapter in his career as he aims to revive his competitive edge in the Ferrari team. As he prepares for this shift, Hamilton has reportedly begun learning Italian to better integrate into the Ferrari environment and build rapport with his new team members. Ultimately, this transition signals a significant moment in Formula 1, as one of its most iconic drivers closes the chapter on his time with Mercedes. The impact of Hamilton's departure on the team and his future at Ferrari will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. His farewell was marked by emotional tributes, including a firework display, a fitting tribute to a driver who has been pivotal in shaping the success of the Mercedes team. Hamilton's move to Ferrari, expected to be on a lucrative £40 million per year contract, will see him partner with Charles Leclerc and aims to restore Ferrari’s prominence in the sport as the team rebuilds for future success.