Throwback: F1 world shook by bombshell driver move

Two years ago today, the F1 world witnessed one of the most dramatic developments in the sport's history.

On February 1, 2024, Ferrari confirmed what had seemed unthinkable: Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion who had spent 12 years at Mercedes, would be joining the Scuderia on a multi-year contract.

It began as nothing more than rumours at the start of the day, and at first, was largely brushed off as mere winter break speculation, as Hamilton had long been linked with a switch to the Italian squad.

But as the day progressed, it became ever clearer that it was really happening.

In the evening, Ferrari put a stop to all speculation. Hamilton had activated a release clause in his Mercedes deal, cutting short a contract set to run through 2025. After 103 race wins and six world titles with the Silver Arrows, the partnership that had dominated F1's hybrid era was ending.

Despite marking the most dramatic driver move in F1 history, Ferrari's own statement was perhaps the most understated we've ever seen.

It said: “Scuderia Ferrari is pleased to announce that Lewis Hamilton will be joining the team in 2025, on a multi-year contract.”

Hamilton waited two days before releasing his own statement, which was far more lengthy. In it, he spoke of the “crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions” and voiced his excitement to drive a Ferrari car.

The seven-time champion thanked the Mercedes set-up as he drew the curtain on that chapter of his career, insisting it was one of the hardest decisions he ever had to make.

The announcement was described as a blockbuster moment, a marketing dream that would dominate headlines for months.

Hamilton endured a challenging opening season with the squad as he failed to reach the podium at any event. 

This year, he enters the season with renewed hope as the sport resets under a new regulation cycle.