Lewis Hamilton finally breaks cover following this week's shock news that he is leaving Mercedes for Ferrari at season end.

Other than being quoted in the German team's official press release on Thursday, the seven-time world champion has opted to remain silent, but today finally took to social media posting what once again appeared to be a somewhat official statement.

"It's been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions," he posted.

"But as you all now know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.

"I feel incredibly fortunate, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only have dreamed of as a kid, that I now have the chance to fulfil another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red.

"Mercedes has been a huge part of my life since I was 13 years old, so this decision has been the hardest I've ever had to make. I'm incredibly proud of all that we've achieved together and I'm very grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone I have worked with over the years and of course Toto, for his friendship, guidance and leadership. Together we have won titles, broken records and become the most successful Driver-Team partnership in F1 history. And of course I cannot forget Niki who was a huge supporter and who I still miss every day.

"I must also share my huge appreciation to the whole of the Mercedes-Benz board and everyone at the company in Germany and around the world for supporting me over these 26 years.

"But the time is right to make a change and take on a new challenge. I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined Mercedes in 2013. I know some people didn't understand it at the time but I was right to make the move then and it's the feeling I have again now. I'm excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together.

"However, right now, I'm not thinking about 2025. My focus is on the upcoming season and getting back out on track with Mercedes. I am more driven than ever, I am fitter and more focussed than ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again. I am 100% committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high.

"Thank you to all of you who have been on this journey with me, you have all lifted me up as I chase my dreams and I hope I can continue to make you proud. As always, sending you my love and positive energy."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 07/02/2024 2:01

"@ Brighton Corgi...alll ships leak, some by design, and some by fault but the effect is the same. I've never quite understood the variance between team members when some defect and get gardening leave and others don't. Drivers may not be highly tecnical but their experience and time behind the wheel of the very latest must be of quite some value to any opposition."

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2. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 05/02/2024 20:03

"Mercedes better watch Lewis like a hawk to make sure he is not sneaking IP over to Ferrari. Be it all once or drip by drip."

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3. Posted by Motorsport-fan, 04/02/2024 14:06

"You get to drive a Ferrari Formula One car, free Ferrari road cars and 50 million pocket money, hands up who would take that for a new chapter in there life. "

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4. Posted by Dirt, 03/02/2024 23:21

"Interesting parallels with MotoGP. Marc Marquez left Honda at the end of 2023 to join Ducati on a satellite team on a year-old bike because Honda has been floundering and Marc is approaching the end of his career. He couldn't afford to wait around for Honda to build a better bike because that might take longer than his career path. He chose to take the 2023 championship winning bike, now a year old, on a satellite team with his brother as a teammate so he could challenge for wins and maybe even a championship in 2024 in the last few years of his career.

Lewis's situation is similar in that he probably desperately wants that 8th championship, and he's also in the autumn of his career. Unless he's driving for Red Bull, there's next to zero chance he'll get that championship, so what matters now? Wins. And Ferrari. He's probably got an equal chance of fighting for wins with either Mercedes or Ferrari, and he's always wanted to drive for Ferrari. Given that, it seems a no-brainer to make the switch. Really, who wouldn't want to drive for Ferrari given the chance?"

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5. Posted by Ricardo_sanchez, 03/02/2024 20:35

"@chester - he won’t need to know about 2025 developments, will he? He can just get his head down and drive the 2024 car. "

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6. Posted by Chester, 03/02/2024 16:37

"How can this end that well? Do you think Mercedes will be forthcoming with design features with Lewis? How about sharing future enhancements?"

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7. Posted by Ricardo_sanchez, 03/02/2024 14:23

"“I am 100% committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high.“

It will be a fitting end to the partnership if they are able to challenge for wins this season. The psychological aspects of the competition - the team dynamics at Mercedes and Ferrari - will be fascinating to watch. "

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Hamilton reflects on "crazy few days"

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