Lewis Hamilton has stated his blockbuster 2025 Ferrari transfer will fulfil a “childhood dream” and in contrast it to the “leap of religion into the unknown” he made to affix Mercedes in 2013.
Hamilton surprised the racing world and his Mercedes workforce this week by signing a cope with Ferrari beginning subsequent season, though he’ll see out the ultimate 12 months of his present contract this 12 months.
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It is going to finish a lifelong affiliation with the Mercedes-Benz model, which included the beginning of his F1 profession with McLaren in 2007 after which continued with the corporate’s fundamental workforce.
Hamilton has received six of his seven profession championships with Mercedes, contributing to the workforce’s dominant run of constructors’ titles between 2014 and 2021.
In a publish on X, previously often known as Twitter, Hamilton stated: “It has been a loopy few days which have been full of an entire vary of feelings.”
He’ll be a part of a Ferrari workforce which has not produced a drivers’ champion since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007, nor received the constructors’ title since 2008.
“I really feel extremely lucky, after attaining issues with Mercedes that I might solely have dreamed of as a child, that I now have the prospect to fulfil one other childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari pink,” Hamilton stated.
The transfer Hamilton created from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013 was one many pundits and followers predicted could be a catastrophe, however become probably the most profitable partnership in F1 historical past.
Hamilton, a rookie in 2007 and now 39-years-old, stated his feeling round this workforce change is much like his final.
“The time is true to make a change and tackle a brand new problem. I nonetheless bear in mind the sensation of taking a leap of religion into the unknown once I first joined Mercedes in 2013. I do know some folks did not perceive it on the time however I used to be proper to make the transfer then and it is the sensation I’ve once more now. I am excited to see what I can deliver to this new alternative and what we will do collectively.”
On the approaching season with Mercedes, he stated: “Nevertheless, proper now, I am not occupied with 2025. My focus is on the upcoming season and getting again out on observe with Mercedes. I’m extra pushed than ever, I’m fitter and extra centered than than ever and I need to assist Mercedes win as soon as once more. I’m 100% dedicated to the job I have to do and decided to finish my partnership with the workforce on a excessive.
“Thanks to all of you who’ve been on this journey with me, you may have all lifted me up as I chase my desires and I hope I can proceed to make you proud. As all the time, sending you my love and optimistic power.”
The British driver additionally paid tribute to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and the late Niki Lauda, the three-time world champion and former workforce govt who helped him depart McLaren for Mercedes’ workforce in 2013.
“Mercedes has been an enormous a part of my life since I used to be 13 years outdated, so this determination has been the toughest I’ve ever needed to make. I am extremely pleased with all that we have achieved collectively and I am very grateful for the arduous work and dedication of everybody I’ve labored with through the years and naturally Toto, for his friendship, steering and management,” Hamilton stated.
“Collectively we’ve received titles, damaged information and turn out to be probably the most profitable Driver-Staff partnership in F1 historical past. And naturally I can’t overlook Niki who was an enormous supporter and who I nonetheless miss on a regular basis.
“I have to additionally share my big appreciation to the entire of the Mercedes-Benz board and everybody on the firm in Germany and world wide for supporting me over these 26 years.”