“The time had come for a change,” said Lewis Hamilton, leaving Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025

The seven-time British world champion returned to the reasons which pushed him to join the Scuderia in a year.

“Today, I have the chance to fulfill a childhood dream: to drive a Ferrari.” In a long message on X (formerly Twitter), published Saturday February 3, Lewis Hamilton delivered his first impressions after a transfer which created a real shock wave in the paddock. The Briton notably expressed his pride in joining the prancing horse team, but did not forget to thank Mercedes, while assuring the German firm of his complete devotion for the coming season.

Lewis Hamilton isn’t “sir” for nothing. Always elegant and diplomatic, the Englishman posted a polite speech to explain his departure, in 2025, from Mercedes for Ferrari. The driver with 103 Grand Prix victories first thanked Mercedes at length with whom he spent “eleven incredible years”: “I feel particularly lucky to have been able to achieve accomplishments that I would not have even dared to dream of when I was a child.”

The Briton obviously does not forget his mentor Toto Wolff, “for his friendship, advice and leadership. Together we won titles, broke records and formed the most successful driver-team duo in Formula 1 history.” Under these conditions, Hamilton admits that the choice to leave the parent company was not easy. “It was the most difficult decision of my career”he writes.

However, “It was time for a change. I remember that feeling of leaping into the unknown when I joined Mercedes in 2013”he continues. “A lot of people didn’t understand it at the time, but time has proven me right. Today I have the same feeling. I’m looking forward to what I can bring to Ferrari.” But Lewis Hamilton is not yet in Maranello and wants to reassure fans of the star firm for the coming season: “I am physically fitter and more focused than ever to help Mercedes win again. I am 100% dedicated to my job and determined to leave my partnership with Mercedes on a positive note.” First element of response on March 2, for the opening of the season in Bahrain.