The seven-time Formula 1
world champion
,
Lewis Hamilton
, showed this Friday in Bahrain his desire to
"start a new chapter"
in his career by joining the
Ferrari team in 2025
, after 12 seasons at Mercedes.
The 39-year-old Briton, who spoke to the press for the first time since the announcement in early February of his departure from Mercedes for Ferrari, discussed the ins and outs of his surprising decision.
A surprise, since the Briton had renewed his contract with Mercedes in the summer until the end of the 2025 season,
but he had a freedom clause
that will be activated at the end of the 2024 season.
"When we signed (the renewal) in the summer, it was clear that I saw my future in Mercedes,
but an opportunity arose at the beginning of the year that I decided to take advantage of
, "
he explained during the last day of preseason free practice in Bahrain.
"I'm very proud of what we've achieved but ultimately I'm writing my story and it was time to start a new chapter"
Lewis Hamilton reveals the thinking behind his decision to join Ferrari for the 2025 season #F1 pic.twitter .com/qE62sHEWos
— Formula 1 (@F1) February 23, 2024
"I have the impression that it is the most difficult decision I have had to make,
I have been linked to Mercedes for 26 years.
They have supported me and we have lived together an incredible adventure, which has marked the history of the sport and from which I feel very proud,"
he added.
"But at the end of the day I am the one writing my story and I felt it was time to start a new chapter
," Hamilton acknowledged.
With Mercedes, the driver who has 103 Grand Prix victories (a record in the top category) took the limits of Formula 1 to a new level, winning six world titles from 2014 to 2020.
Hamilton spoke for the first time about his decision to move to Ferrari.
(AFP)
But 'Sir Lewis'
fans
can rest assured, because the episode with Mercedes "is not over yet."
"
I remain 100% focused to give results to this team this year and finish well
," he concluded.
The Formula 1 World Championship, which this year will have a record of up to 24 Grand Prix, starts on March 2 in Bahrain.