Driving for Ferrari fulfills ‘childhood dream’ – Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton has mentioned his blockbuster 2025 Ferrari transfer will fulfil a “childhood dream” and in contrast it to the “leap of religion into the unknown” he made to hitch Mercedes in 2013.

Hamilton shocked the racing world and his Mercedes workforce this week by signing a take care of Ferrari beginning subsequent season, though he’ll see out the ultimate yr of his present contract with Mercedes.

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It can finish a lifelong affiliation with the Mercedes-Benz model, which included the beginning of his F1 profession with McLaren in 2007 after which continued with the corporate’s important workforce.

Hamilton has gained six of his seven profession championships with Mercedes, contributing to the workforce’s dominant run of constructors’ titles between 2014 and 2021.

In a submit on X, Hamilton mentioned: “It has been a loopy few days which have been full of an entire vary of feelings.”

He’ll be part of a Ferrari workforce that has not produced a drivers’ champion since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007 or gained the constructors’ title since 2008.

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

The transfer Hamilton comprised of McLaren to Mercedes in 2013 was one many pundits and followers predicted can be a catastrophe, however became probably the most profitable partnership in F1 historical past.

Hamilton, a rookie in 2007 and now 39 years outdated, mentioned his feeling round this workforce change is much like his final.

“The time is correct to make a change and tackle a brand new problem,” he wrote. “I nonetheless bear in mind the sensation of taking a leap of religion into the unknown once I first joined Mercedes in 2013. I do know some folks did not perceive it on the time however I used to be proper to make the transfer then and it is the sensation I’ve once more now. I am excited to see what I can deliver to this new alternative and what we will do collectively.”

On the approaching season with Mercedes, he mentioned: “Nevertheless, proper now, I am not eager about 2025. My focus is on the upcoming season and getting again out on monitor with Mercedes. I’m extra pushed than ever, I’m fitter and extra targeted than than ever and I need to assist Mercedes win as soon as once more. I’m 100% dedicated to the job I have to do and decided to finish my partnership with the workforce on a excessive.

“Thanks to all of you who’ve been on this journey with me, you’ve all lifted me up as I chase my desires and I hope I can proceed to make you proud. As at all times, sending you my love and optimistic vitality.”

The British driver additionally paid tribute to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and the late Niki Lauda, the three-time world champion and former workforce govt who helped him go away McLaren for Mercedes in 2013.

“Mercedes has been an enormous a part of my life since I used to be 13 years outdated, so this resolution has been the toughest I’ve ever needed to make. I am extremely happy with all that we have achieved collectively and I am very grateful for the laborious work and dedication of everybody I’ve labored with through the years and naturally Toto, for his friendship, steerage and management,” Hamilton mentioned.

“Collectively now we have gained titles, damaged data and turn into probably the most profitable Driver-Crew partnership in F1 historical past. And naturally I can not neglect Niki who was an enormous supporter and who I nonetheless miss on a regular basis.

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