In Italy you see the sea of Ferrari red and can only stand in awe
Why Hamilton couldn’t say no to seismic move
LEWIS Hamilton was dressed in Mercedes clobber, but his mind was on life at Ferrari. All the questions, too, came tinged in red.
It was the first time the world’s most successful driver had spoken in public since his move to the Scuderia — for the 2025 season — was announced at the start of the month.
He nodded towards his current team, saying work still to be done. But he talked primarily of writing a sequel in a scarlet car, a quest that encompasses his bid for an eighth world title.
And of watching Michael Schumacher rewrite the records he has now matched (seven world championships each) and beaten (103 wins to 91), and how that rampage lit his imagination.
Speaking at pre-season testing in Bahrain, Hamilton, who signed a new €55million-a-year contract with Mercedes only last August, said: ‘I saw my future with Mercedes then.
‘But an opportunity came up in the new year and I decided to take it. It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make.
‘I have had a relationship with Mercedes since I was 13. They have supported me, and we have had an incredible journey together, creating history within the sport. It is something I take a lot of pride in.
‘But ultimately I am writing my story and I felt it was time to start a new chapter.’
Hamilton’s impending move has been greased by an upgrade to his wages of perhaps €20m a year, but it is as much fresh motivation as stratospheric moolah that has drawn him to Italy.
He was offered a job there by president John Elkann last summer before penning a two-year deal at Mercedes.
But the undertaking came with a break clause that granted him freedom to move elsewhere if he wished.
Ferrari’s continued interest won the day, ambushing the Silver Arrows’ hopes of a lifetime affiliation with their star man, an ambition he then equally enthusiastically embraced.
Now he is rhapsodising his next destination, saying: ‘All of us sit in our garages and see a driver in the red cockpit and wonder what it would be like to be surrounded by red.
‘You go to the Italian Grand Prix in Monza and you see the sea of red Ferrari fans and you can only stand in awe of that.
‘It is a team that has not had huge success since Michael’s days, and I see it as a huge challenge.’
He revealed he has never been to Ferrari’s home in Maranello, but he has a friend there before he starts, in team principal Fred Vasseur.
‘I have a great relationship with Fred,’ said Hamilton, 39. ‘I raced for him in Formula Three and we had amazing success, and in GP2, and that is where the foundation of our relationship started. ‘We always remained in touch. I thought he was going to be an amazing team manager and progress to Formula One, and it was really cool to see him at Alfa Romeo. ‘So when he got the job at Ferrari, I was just so happy for him and the stars aligned. ‘It would not have happened without him. I am really excited about the work he is doing there.’ The evidence of pre-season testing suggested Hamilton may well be on to something. ‘He is a shrewd judge, just as he was when he jumped ship from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013. After Red Bull, who stand supreme, Ferrari were second fastest this week. Then it is McLaren and Mercedes. Then, arguably, Aston Martin, ahead of next Saturday’s opening grand prix, again in Bahrain. And as for learning Italian, Hamilton added: ‘In all these years I have not managed to learn other languages but I will definitely try.’