Lewis Hamilton discusses his unexpected choice to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari, a rival team in Formula One.
Lewis Hamilton believed it was time to create “a new chapter” in his storied career and discussed his sensational Ferrari F1 decision for the first time.
When news broke earlier this month that the seven-time world champion would be joining Ferrari on a multi-year contract starting in 2025, he shocked the Formula One world by quitting Mercedes at the end of the current season.
A two-year agreement was just signed by Hamilton last summer, and he will be forty years old when he makes his Ferrari debut. Hamilton has won six of his seven world titles with Mercedes.
In his first press conference following the confirmation of the move, Hamilton explained the thinking behind what he called the “hardest decision I have ever had to make.”
“I saw my future with Mercedes at that time when we signed in the summer,” Hamilton remarked.
But in the New Year, I decided to seize an opportunity. It seems like the most difficult choice I have ever had to make.
Since I was thirteen, Mercedes and I have been in a relationship. They have been there for me, and together we have had an amazing adventure that has made history in the sport, something I am proud of.
But in the end, I’m creating my own story, and I thought it was time for a fresh chapter to begin.
Although the British driver has won seven world championships, he is tied with Ferrari great Michael Schumacher for the most victories in Formula One history.
Hamilton also acknowledged that he has always dreamed of becoming as good as Schumacher in the iconic Ferrari red.
He stated, “I believe that every driver who grew up watching history, especially Michael Schumacher in his prime, sat in their garages and wondered what it would be like to be surrounded by the color red when they saw the screen pop up and saw a driver in the red cockpit.”
You can only be in awe of the sea of red that represents Ferrari fans when you attend the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. I view it as a tremendous challenge because this team hasn’t enjoyed much success since Michael’s time.
“I used to play the Grand Prix 2 computer game as a child, driving the Ferrari as Michael. It is undoubtedly a dream, and I am ecstatic about it.