Hamilton officially set to join Ferrari in '25

F1 driver Lewis Hamilton will officially " leave Mercedes and join Ferrari " for the 2025 F1 season. Hamilton "activated a release clause in his Mercedes contract," and will join Ferrari on a "multi-year" deal. Mercedes employees in Brackley were "informed of the news earlier on Thursday afternoon before the official announcement from the team." Hamilton will join  Charles Leclerc as his teammate at Ferrari ( SKYSPORTS.com, 2/1 ).

The length of the contract is "not yet known, but one suspects that Hamilton will play a crucial role in the team as Ferrari develop the 2026 car" ( London TIMES, 2/1 ). A source said that Hamilton "informed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff on Wednesday" of his decision to move, "simply insisting he wishes to try something new" ( London INDEPENDENT, 2/1 ). The news is set to "bring an end to what will be a 12-year stay for Hamilton at Mercedes," having joined in 2013 in a "similarly spectacular move from McLaren" ( MOTORSPORT.com, 2/1 ).

Ferrari stock "roared to all-time highs early Thursday" amid early reports of Hamilton's move. The bump also follows Ferrari "outpacing Q4 earnings forecasts" ( INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY, 2/1 ). Ferrari's stock was up 12.42% at presstime.

Hamilton earlier this week "ended his agreement with US-based management company Copper" and is "once again working with his longtime friend Marc Hynes ." Hynes's focus with Hamilton is on "racing rather than on marketing activities" ( MOTORSPORT.com, 1/30 ).