After an ominous silence, Mercedes F1 finally announced the departure of its star driver, Lewis Hamilton, at the end of the 2024 season. The activation of the driver’s exit option in his contract ends his 17-year-long Formula 1 collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and an 11-year-long partnership with the works team.
Official Statement of Toto Wolff
Toto Wolff acknowledged the unequaled contributions of Hamilton to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, calling it the “most successful the sport has ever seen.” He also remarked that the 39-year-old driver will always be “an important part of Mercedes motorsport history.” However, he admitted that all good things eventually come to an end.
“We accept Lewis’s decision to seek a fresh challenge, and our opportunities for the future are exciting to contemplate,” said the Mercedes F1 team principal. “But for now, we still have one season to go, and we are focused on going racing to deliver a strong 2024.”
Under Mercedes F1, Hamilton brought six Drivers Championships and eight Constructors Championships. Although he failed to win any race since 2021, he holds 103 wins in his career which is a current record to break in F1. In comparison, Michael Schumacher had 91 wins and is trailed behind by Max Verstappen’s 54 wins.
Official Statement of Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton, on the other hand, expressed his gratitude for the 11 fruitful years he had with Mercedes. He pointed out that the brand has been an integral part of his life since he 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,” the veteran Mercedes driver stated. “But the time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge.”
Hamilton then thanked his Mercedes family for the support they provided to him along his F1 journey. Likewise, he acknowledged the friendship and guidance Wolff had given him during his tenure. For that, the Briton vowed to end his final season with the group on a high note.
“I am 100% committed to delivering the best performance I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember,” concluded Hamilton.
Mercedes F1’s Possible Replacements for Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari has already confirmed the switch of Hamilton, who will be replacing Carlos Sainz Jr. The move will partner the seven-time champion with Charles Leclerc who just had his contract extension with the team until the 2026 season.
Now this explains why Ferrari has been stalling contract negotiations with Sainz. However, this also puts the driver in the hot seat of the rumors as a possible straight-up swap for Hamilton.
Among the other big names on the list are Fernando Alonso and Daniel Ricciardo. The two have been long presumed to be in talks with Mercedes, especially after the departure of Nico Rosberg and Valtteri Bottas.
Others are Mick Schumacher, Esteban Ocon, and Alex Albon who all had a history of collaboration with Mercedes.