Lew: Merc exit a difficult decision

F1 Lewis Hamilton said his Mercedes exit to join Ferrari is because he believes it is time to write “a new chapter” in his record-breaking career.

The Brit was speaking for the first time at length since his blockbuster move to the Italian giants in 2025 was confirmed earlier this month.

The 39-year-old, who joined Mercedes from McLaren in 2013, signed a two-year contract extension only last August. But over the winter he elected to terminate his £100m deal early to make the switch.

“At that time I saw my future with Mercedes,” said Hamilton, pictured. “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, created history within the sport and it is something I take a lot of pride in.

“But ultimately I am writing my story and I felt like it was time to start a new chapter.”

Last year marked a second straight season without a victory for the British driver and Mercedes’ first winless campaign in a dozen years.

However, Hamilton added: “This chapter is still not finished and I am still 100 per cent focused on delivering for this team, trying to finish on a high and that is a big, big goal for me.

“I have absolute faith in everyone in the team in what we have done so far and I hope we are somehow able to close the gap to the Red Bulls.”

Ferrari have not won a drivers’ championship since Kimi Raikkonen triumphed for them in 2007.