As of Wednesday, January 1, 2025, Lewis Hamilton has officially become a Ferrari driver. Hamilton, who began racing with Mercedes in 2013, saw his contract come to an end as of last night. Hamilton will now be referred to as Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton.

The Hamilton and Ferrari Era Has Begun

Lewis Hamilton has left Mercedes and joined Ferrari, marking a significant change in the F1 world with this transition. This news was first announced on February 1 of last year, and it was confirmed when a termination clause in the two-year contract Hamilton signed during the summer was activated.

Hamilton made the decision to leave Mercedes after the 2024 season and transferred to Ferrari, where he will be teammates with Charles Leclerc. Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes officially ended on December 31, 2024.

Ferrari’s new car will be unveiled on February 19. This car will be Hamilton’s first F1 car that does not carry a Mercedes engine in his career. Hamilton had previously only raced with McLaren and Mercedes.

Hamilton is expected to carry out his first test drive in Ferrari colors, likely using the 2023 car, at the Fiorano circuit. However, no specific date has been announced yet for this test.

Reunited with Fred Vasseur

Seven-time world champion Hamilton will work with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur again. Vasseur was the head of the ART Grand Prix team, where Hamilton won the 2006 GP2 (now known as F2) championship. Hamilton took his first step into F1 a year after this success.

Who are the other drivers moving to new teams?

In addition to Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, Nico Hulkenberg, and Esteban Ocon have also officially joined their new teams.

Sainz will now race as a Williams driver, Hulkenberg will compete for Sauber, and Ocon will race for Haas.