Former Formula One drivers believe Lewis Hamilton's blockbuster move to one of the most iconic teams in motorsport represents a major coup for the auto racing league.
Mercedes on Thursday confirmed that the seven-time world champion will join Ferrari in 2025 after activating a release option in his contract.
An extraordinary run of success has since dried up, however, and Hamilton has not won a race since the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix in Dec. 2021.
Ferrari , meanwhile, released a short statement saying the team was "pleased" to announce Hamilton would join on a multi-year contract.
The news sent shockwaves through F1, with 2009 world champion Jenson Button saying he'd also been taken by surprise.
Persons:
Lewis Hamilton of, Mercedes, Lewis, Toto Wolff, Hamilton, Ferrari, Jenson Button, he'd
Organizations:
Mercedes, Abu, Yas Marina Circuit, United, United Arab Emirates, Former Formula, Ferrari, Hamilton, Saudi Arabia, Prix
Locations:
Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab, Saudi