Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton explained in Bahrain on Friday that he wanted to “open a new chapter” in his career by joining the Ferrari team in 2025, after twelve seasons at Mercedes.
The 39-year-old Briton, who spoke for the first time to the press since the announcement at the beginning of February of his departure from Mercedes for Ferrari, looked behind the scenes of his surprise decision.
Surprise, because the multi-champion had extended the contract linking him to Mercedes last summer until the end of the 2025 season. But he had a release clause which he will activate at the end of the 2024 season.
“When we signed this summer (the extension, editor’s note), it was obvious that I saw my future with Mercedes, but an opportunity presented itself at the beginning of the year and I decided to seize it,” he said. he explained on the sidelines of the last day of pre-season testing on the Gulf island.
And continued: “I feel like this is the hardest decision I have ever had to make, I have been linked to Mercedes for 26 years. They supported me and we experienced an incredible adventure together, which marked the history of sport and which I am very proud of.”
“But, at the end of the day, it’s me writing my story, and I felt it was time to start a new chapter,” he said.
With Mercedes, the driver with 103 Grand Prix victories – a record – pushed the limits of his discipline by winning six world titles, from 2014 to 2020.
But fans of “Sir Lewis” can rest assured, the chapter at Mercedes “is not yet over”. “I am still 100% focused on giving this team results this year, and trying to finish strong.”
The F1 championship, which this year will include a record 24 Grands Prix, resumes on March 2 in Bahrain.