Formula 1: Shock as Lewis Hamilton changes teams
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Lewis Hamilton is a global superstar and his departure from Mercedes could be a big upset in the F1 world and beyond
British Formula 1 racing legend Lewis Hamilton is changing Formula 1 teams from Mercedes to Ferrari.
The Italian team confirmed on Thursday he will start driving for them from the start of the 2025 season.
The move has come as a big shock to many F1 fans because the British driver has been part of the Mercedes team for 11 years and has said in the past that he wanted to remain part of the Silver Arrows team until he stops driving.
It means the iconic team, who have been a part of Formula 1 since 1950, would have the sport's most successful driver in their car.
Hamilton said he was "so proud" of the success he had achieved in 11 years with Mercedes.
He added: "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."
Lewis Hamilton is widely seen as F1s biggest star and his decision to leave Mercedes is a huge deal.
He's is the most successful F1 driver in history having won a record seven World Championship titles and helped Mercedes win eight Constructors titles.
Hamilton's move to Ferrari is one of the biggest - and most surprising - stories in F1 for years... Hamilton remains the biggest star in F1, as well as its most successful ever driver.
There have been rumours of Hamilton moving to Ferrari for years and Ferrari admitted to holding talks with then world champion in 2019 about joining them in the future.
It will leave an empty position within the Mercedes team and F1 experts say that could lead to several other drivers swapping around too.