Hamilton makes first comments after ‘crazy few days’
Hamilton made his first comments after a “crazy few days”.
Lewis Hamilton has spoken publicly for the first time about his decision to leave Mercedes for Maranello at the end of 2024 and join Ferrari in 2025 after 11 years with the team.
There was only a brief mention of him in Mercedes’ press release issued on Thursday, but Hamilton waited until Saturday to take to his Instagram account to give fans a personal look at the incredible progress. He used the opportunity to explain that driving a Ferrari had been his dream for a long time and when the opportunity came, he couldn’t turn it down.
Hamilton made his first comments after a “crazy few days”.
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1. 21st Formula 1 World Championship, 11 May 2023
Lewis Hamilton has spoken publicly for the first time about his decision to leave Mercedes for Maranello at the end of 2024 and join Ferrari in 2025 after 11 years with the team. There was only a brief mention of him in Mercedes’ press release issued on Thursday, but Hamilton waited until Saturday to take to his Instagram account to give fans a personal look at the incredible progress.
He used the opportunity to explain that driving a Ferrari had been his dream for a long time and when the opportunity came, he couldn’t turn it down. “It’s been a crazy few days, full of so many emotions,” he began.
But as you all know, after 11 years with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team, it is now time to start a new chapter in my life and in 2025 I will work for Scuderia Ferrari. After fulfilling all my childhood dreams with Mercedes, I am very happy to be able to fulfill another childhood dream. I drive a red Ferrari. “Mercedes has played an important role in my life since I was 13, so this was the most difficult decision for me,” he said.
“I am proud of everything we have achieved together. I am deeply grateful to everyone I have worked with over the years. Of course, I am grateful to Toto for his friendship, guidance and leadership. “Together we won titles, broke records and had the most successful driver-team partnership in F1 history. Of course I can’t forget Niki [Luda], he was a great supporter and I still make mistakes every day . “I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the entire Mercedes-Benz board of directors and all members of the company in Germany and around the world for their support over the past 26 years.
“But now it was time to make a change and take on a new challenge.” He recalled the shock of his decision to leave his first F1 home, McLaren, to join Mercedes. “I still remember the leap of faith I felt when I first joined Mercedes in 2013. I know some people didn’t understand it at the time, but it was what I had to change. “It feels different now,” he said. “I am excited to see what I can add to this new opportunity and what we can do together. “But I’m not thinking about 2025 right now. I’m focusing on next season and getting back on track with Mercedes. “I am more motivated than ever, stronger than ever and I want to help Mercedes win again. I am 100% dedicated to my job and determined to end my relationship with the team on a good note. “Thank you to everyone who has been with me on this journey. You all have lifted me up as I pursue my dreams and I hope I can continue to make you all proud. As always, sending you love and positive energy.”
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