Driving for Ferrari fulfills ‘childhood dream’ – Lewis Hamilton،
Lewis Hamilton said his successful plan at Ferrari in 2025 would fulfill a “childhood dream” and compared it to the “leap of faith into the unknown” he took to join Mercedes in 2013.
Hamilton surprised the motor racing world and his Mercedes team this week by signing a deal with Ferrari starting next season, although he is finishing the final year of his current contract with Mercedes.
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This will end a long-standing affiliation with the Mercedes-Benz brand, which included starting his F1 career with McLaren in 2007 and then continuing with the company's main team.
Hamilton has won six of his seven career championships with Mercedes, contributing to the team's dominant run of constructors' titles between 2014 and 2021.
In an article on X, Hamilton said: “It's been a crazy few days that have been filled with a whole range of emotions.”
He will join a Ferrari team that has not produced a drivers' champion since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007 nor won the constructors' title since 2008.
“I feel incredibly lucky, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only dream of as a child, to now have the chance to realize another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red,” Hamilton said .
Hamilton's move from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013 was a disaster predicted by many pundits and fans, but it turned into the most successful partnership in F1 history.
Hamilton, a rookie in 2007 and now 39, said his feeling about this team change was similar to the last.
“The time has come for a change and a new challenge,” he wrote. “I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined Mercedes in 2013. I know some people didn't understand it at the time, but I I was right to take the step at that time and that's the feeling I have.” again now. I’m excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together.
Regarding the upcoming season with Mercedes, he said: “However, at the moment I am not thinking about 2025. I am focusing on the upcoming season and getting back on track with Mercedes. I am more motivated than ever, I’m in better shape.” “I am more focused than ever and want to help Mercedes win once again. I am 100% committed to the work I have to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a good note.”
“Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me, you have all supported me as I pursue my dreams and I hope I can continue to make you proud. As always, I send you my love and positive energy.”
The British driver also paid tribute to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and the late Niki Lauda, a three-time world champion and former team boss who helped him leave McLaren for Mercedes in 2013.
“Mercedes has been an important part of my life since I was 13, so this was the hardest decision I've ever had to make. I'm incredibly proud of everything we've accomplished together and I'm very happy. grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone I have worked with over the years and of course Toto, for his friendship, guidance and leadership,” Hamilton said.
“Together we won titles, broke records and became the most successful driver-team partnership in F1 history. And of course I can't forget Niki who was a great supporter and who I miss still every day.”
“I must also express my deep gratitude to the entire Mercedes-Benz Board of Management and all members of the company in Germany and around the world for supporting me over these 26 years.”
