British driver Lewis Hamilton said this Saturday that he will fulfill a “childhood dream” by moving to Ferrari in 2025, after 12 seasons with Mercedes in Formula 1.
“After achieving several goals with Mercedes that were nothing less than my childhood dreams, I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to fulfill another childhood dream: driving a red Ferrari,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram.
Admitting that the last few days have been “crazy” and “full of emotion”, the driver said it was “time for a new chapter” in his career when he leaves Mercedes at the end of this season and ends 12 seasons with the German national team. , during which he won six world titles (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020).
“It’s time for a change, to take on a new challenge. I still remember taking a risk and joining Mercedes in 2013. Some people didn’t understand the change, but it was the right decision, and at this point in time, I feel the same way. I’m excited about this new opportunity. [na Ferrari] and what we can do together,” he explained.
Given his long-standing association with Mercedes, Hamilton admitted it was the “toughest decision” he has had to make and expressed “pride” in everything he has achieved with the team, making it clear that this year he is still will defend the German team. season, so he’s not thinking about next year yet.
“I’m not thinking about 2025 at the moment. I’m focused on the season that’s about to start and helping Mercedes get back on track. I’m more determined, more focused and in better shape than ever before and I “I want to help Mercedes win again. I’m 100% committed to the job I have to do and determined to end our alliance with a bang.” he emphasized.
Lewis Hamilton will swap Ferrari for Mercedes at the end of this season, both teams announced on Thursday, with the 39-year-old Briton replacing Spaniard Carlos Sainz from 2025.
The Briton arrived in Formula 1 in 2007 to represent McLaren, then powered by Mercedes, and eventually won his first championship in 2008 against Brazilian Felipe Massa, then at Ferrari.
In 2013, he joined the Mercedes team, replacing German Michael Schumacher, who retired from the sport for the second time.
Hamilton won titles in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, matching Schumacher’s record of seven crowns.
On this journey, Hamilton became the driver with the most wins (103), podiums (197) and pole positions (104) in Formula One history.
The path of victories was interrupted only in 2021 by the Dutch Max Verstappen and Red Bull, putting an end to the dominance that Mercedes had enjoyed for seven years.
The 2024 season will be the last for the Silver Arrows before fulfilling a childhood dream and moving to the most mythical of teams, the only one to have competed in every Formula 1 championship ever held.