Saturday afternoon, Lewis Hamilton finally spoke to discuss his transfer to Ferrari in 2025. The seven-time world champion spoke via social networks to first confirm the information, thank Mercedes for all the years spent within the German team but also talk about his desire to seek victories next season with the manufacturer from across the Rhine.
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“Drive in Ferrari red”
The 39-year-old Briton begins his long message by explaining that it was time for him
to “open a new chapter”
in his life and even realize a childhood dream by joining the most prestigious team on the grid.
“I feel incredibly lucky, having achieved things with Mercedes that I could only dream of as a child, and now have the chance to realize another childhood dream
,” Hamilton explains before adding, as admiring:
“Driving in Ferrari red.”
The driver admits, however, that choosing to leave was not an easy task because Mercedes has been with him on the circuits since he was 13 years old.
“This decision was the most difficult I have ever had to make
,” admits the champion with 103 victories (a record), wishing to thank the boss of the German team Toto Wolff, but also Nikki Lauda, who died in 2019 .
“I am incredibly proud of everything we have accomplished together and am very grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone I have worked with over the years and of course Toto, for his friendship, his guidance and his leadership. Together we won titles, broke records and became the most successful driver-team partnership in F1 history. And of course, I can't forget Niki who was a great supporter and who I still miss every day
,” continues Hamilton, who does not forget to thank Mercedes as a whole.
A difficult choice, like leaving McLaren in 2013
The leap to Ferrari is, according to him, comparable to that which pushed him into the arms of Mercedes in 2013 when he left McLaren.
A risky choice, misunderstood by some but which he accepts fully and without doubt.
“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 got reason to take the step at that moment and it is this feeling that I feel again now.
I can’t wait to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together
,” assures the Briton, who ends his message by mentioning 2024.
More motivated than ever with Mercedes in 2024
Because this season again,
“King Lewis”
will defend the colors of gray single-seaters with, he hopes, a lot of success in store after a mixed season (1 victory and 5 podiums), finished in third place in the standings. pilots.
“I am focused on the upcoming season and getting back on track with Mercedes.
I am more motivated than ever, fitter and more focused than ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again.
I am 100% committed to the work I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high note.
Thank you to all of you who have been on this journey with me, you have all supported me as I pursue my dreams and I hope I can continue to make you proud
,” concludes the Stevenage native.