Hamilton says ‘childhood dream’ drove him to make switch
‘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.’
SEVEN-TIME FORMULA 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton took to social media to explain his blockbuster decision to make the switch from driving for Mercedes to Ferrari.
The 39-year-old British race car driver, whose heritage is Grenadian, signed a new deal with Mercedes last year to keep him at the team until the end of 2025 racing season, but he recently activated a release clause in his contract with the “Silver Arrows” and will depart one year early to join “The Prancing Horse” on a multi-year agreement.
“It’s been a crazy few days, which have been filled with a whole range of emotions,” he wrote on the social network, Instagram.
“But as you all now know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life, and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.”
Hamilton said he will forever be grateful for his time with Mercedes, where he has claimed six of his seven world titles.
“I feel i ncredibly 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,” he said. “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.”
He added, “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, [team principal] Toto [Wolff ], 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 [Lauda, deceased three-time world champion and former Mercedes non-executive chairman], 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.”
Hamilton, the most successful F1 driver with 103 wins, has failed to win a single race since December 5, 2021, when he landed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche circuit because Mercedes, like the other team, has not been able to find an answer to Red Bull Racing in the ground effect era.
“The time is right to make a change and take on a new challenge,” he said. “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.”
Hamilton said his focus is now on the upcoming season and trying to sign off his lengthy Mercedes stint in grand style. “Right now, I’m not thinking about 2025,” he said. “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 per cent committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high.