Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion, will be leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season, despite only recently signing a new two-year deal. This decision came as a 'complete surprise' to Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, despite rumors of the move. Wolff, however, holds no grudge against Hamilton, and believes the switch will provide more preparation time for the 2025 campaign. Hamilton activated a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave after just one year.