For Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton, the move to Ferrari is, in his own words, “a childhood dream” coming true. The seven-time world champion wrote on Instagram on Saturday that he feels “incredibly lucky” that he will have the chance to drive in Ferrari red from 2025. The 39-year-old stunned the motorsport world on Thursday by announcing that he would be leaving the Mercedes team at the end of the season and then driving for Scuderia.
“Mercedes has been a big part of my life since I was 13 years old. “That’s why this decision was the hardest I’ve ever had to make,” said Hamilton again. The Brit recalled the many successes in the Silver Arrow, thanked team boss Toto Wolff and remembered the deceased advisor Niki Lauda. “But it is the right time for a change and a new challenge,” assured Hamilton.
He compared the situation to his unexpected move from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013. “People didn’t understand it at the time, but it was the right choice – and I have the same feeling again now,” explained Hamilton. The record Formula 1 winner also promised to give 100 percent of his effort to Mercedes in the coming season. “I have more drive than ever before, I am fitter and more focused than ever and I want to help Mercedes win again,” wrote Hamilton.
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The recent weakening of Mercedes may have been one of the reasons for Hamilton’s decision. He has not won a race in the Silver Arrow since 2021. The long-standing industry leader has been unable to do anything against Max Verstappen’s dominance in the Red Bull over the past two years.