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Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time world champion and has won 103 grands prix

By Lorraine McKenna

BBC Sport

Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season and join Formula One rivals Ferrari on a multi-year deal in 2025.

The 39-year-old only signed a new two-year deal with Mercedes last summer.

However, it is understood his contract contained a break clause after one year, which the Briton has chosen to activate.

Hamilton said he was "so proud" of the success he had achieved in 11 years with Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion added: "Mercedes has been part of my life since I 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.

"But the time is right for me to take this step and I'm excited to be taking on a new challenge."

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