‘The hardest decision I’ve ever had to make’ – Lewis Hamilton opens up on ‘childhood dream’ Ferrari switch

Lewis Hamilton has taken to social media to supply some extra background on his headline-making choice to swap Mercedes for Ferrari on the finish of this yr, describing it as “the possibility to fulfil one other childhood dream”.

Hamilton had signed a brand new take care of Mercedes final summer time to maintain him on the workforce by 2025 however just lately activated a launch clause in his contract to depart one yr early and be a part of Ferrari on a multi-year settlement.

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It’s a transfer that despatched shockwaves by the game, with followers, paddock personalities and even Hamilton’s present workforce boss, Toto Wolff, greatly surprised by the developments.

Writing on Instagram, Hamilton reiterated that his name to go away Mercedes was “the toughest I’ve ever needed to make”, and that he’ll perpetually be pleased about his time with the Silver Arrows, the place he has claimed six of his seven world titles.

“It’s been a loopy few days which have been full of a complete vary of feelings,” stated Hamilton. “However as you all now know, after an unbelievable 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Crew, the time has come for me to start out a brand new chapter in my life and I will probably be becoming a member of Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.

“I really feel extremely lucky, after reaching issues with Mercedes that I might solely have dreamed of as a child, that I now have the possibility to fulfil one other childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari purple.

“Mercedes has been an enormous a part of my life since I used to be 13 years outdated, so this choice has been the toughest I’ve ever needed to make.

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“I’m extremely happy with all that we’ve achieved collectively and I’m very grateful for the onerous work and dedication of everybody I’ve labored with over time and naturally Toto, for his friendship, steering and management.

“Collectively we’ve got received titles, damaged data and develop into probably the most profitable Driver-Crew partnership in F1 historical past. And naturally I can not overlook Niki [Lauda, former Mercedes Non-Executive Chairman] who was an enormous supporter and who I nonetheless miss every single day.

“I need to additionally share my large appreciation to the entire of the Mercedes-Benz board and everybody on the firm in Germany and around the globe for supporting me over these 26 years.”

Along with becoming a member of Ferrari being a “dream” transfer, Hamilton went on to clarify simply what he’s searching for from his dramatic change of groups.

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“The time is true to make a change and tackle a brand new problem,” he commented.

“I nonetheless bear in mind the sensation of taking a leap of religion into the unknown after I first joined Mercedes in 2013. I do know some folks didn’t perceive it on the time however I used to be proper to make the transfer then and it’s the sensation I’ve once more now.

“I’m excited to see what I can convey to this new alternative and what we are able to do collectively.”

In the interim, although, Hamilton’s focus may be very a lot on the upcoming season and attempting to log out from his prolonged Mercedes stint in model.

“Proper now, I’m not interested by 2025,” he pressured. “My focus is on the upcoming season and getting again out on monitor with Mercedes.

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“I’m extra pushed than ever, I’m fitter and extra targeted than ever and I wish to assist Mercedes win as soon as once more. I’m 100% dedicated to the job I must do and decided to finish my partnership with the workforce on a excessive.”

Hamilton added: “Thanks to all of you who’ve been on this journey with me, you might have all lifted me up as I chase my goals and I hope I can proceed to make you proud. As at all times, sending you my love and constructive power.”