Lewis Hamilton was announced this week as a driver for Ferrari in Formula 1 in 2025, which means that at the end of this year his widely successful partnership with Mercedes will come to an end, 11 years after joining. The driver has now reacted to the news of the past few days, which came as an unexpected “bomb” in the paddock.
The seven-time champion admitted on social media that he is pursuing a childhood dream with this move: “It has been a few crazy days filled with a multitude of emotions. But as everyone knows, after 11 incredible years with Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, it is time to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025. I feel incredibly lucky, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only dream of as a child, to now have the chance to fulfill another childhood dream: driving for Ferrari in red.
Although the Mercedes chapter is behind him, Hamilton emphasized that he does not forget the importance of the constructor in his sporting career since a very young age:
“Mercedes has been a huge part of my life since I was 13, so this was the toughest decision I have ever had to make. I am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together and I am very grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone I have worked with over the years, and of course, Toto [Wolff], for his friendship, guidance, and leadership. Together we have won titles, broken records, and become the most successful driver/team partnership in the history of F1. And, of course, I cannot forget Niki [Lauda], who was a huge supporter and whom I still miss every day. I also have to express my immense appreciation for the entire management of Mercedes-Benz and everyone in the company in Germany and around the world for supporting me throughout these 26 years.”
As for the timing of the move to Ferrari, the British driver mentioned that he has the same feeling that led him to take a risk with Mercedes over a decade ago: “It is the right time to make a change and face a new challenge. I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I joined Mercedes in 2013. I know some people didn’t understand it at the time, but I was right to move then and it is the feeling I have again now. I am excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can achieve together.”
That being said, Hamilton assured total focus on this year’s season, which will begin in a few weeks: ‘At the moment, I am not thinking about 2025. My focus is on the upcoming season and returning to the path with Mercedes. I am more motivated than ever, I am fitter and more focused than ever, and I want to help Mercedes win again. I am 100 percent committed to the work I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high note. Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me, you have all lifted me up as I pursue my dreams and I hope to continue making you proud. As always, I send you my love and positive energy’.
