Lewis Hamilton claims he is “thrilled” at the chance to meet his “youth desire” of driving for Ferrari.
The shock information of the seven-time globe champ’s departure from Mercedes after 11 years was validated on Thursday with the Italian group consequently introducing the Briton’s finalizing on a “multi-year agreement”.
Hamilton, 39, will certainly sign up with Ferrari in 2025 after triggering a launch provision in the agreement he authorized back in August.
He mentioned his feeling at leaving the group he has actually invested the last 11 years with in the declaration brought in Thursday’s statement and did so once again in his initial public remarks because on Saturday while additionally talking at his enjoyment at his “brand-new phase”.
” It’s been an insane couple of days which have actually been loaded with an entire series of feelings,” Hamilton created on X, previously Twitter.
” However as you all currently understand, after an unbelievable 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Group, the moment has actually come for me to begin a brand-new phase in my life and I will certainly be signing up with Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.
” I really feel extremely lucky, after accomplishing points with Mercedes that I might just have actually desired for as a child, that I currently have the possibility to meet an additional youth desire. Driving in Ferrari red.”
It’s been an insane couple of days which have actually been loaded with an entire series of feelings.
However as you all currently understand, after an unbelievable 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Group, the moment has actually come for me to begin a brand-new phase in my life and I will certainly be signing up with Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) February 3, 2024
Hamilton has actually won 6 of his 7 globe champions at Mercedes because taking part 2013, while additionally aiding case 8 successive erectors’ titles in between 2014 and 2021.
Nonetheless, Mercedes’ slump over the previous 2 periods where they have actually battled to match the rate of a leading Red Bull group has actually eventually left Hamilton without a race win because December 2021, finishing his document of a minimum of one triumph per period going back to 2007.
Hamilton included: “Mercedes has actually been a significant component of my life because I was 13 years of ages, so this choice has actually been the hardest I have actually ever before needed to make. I’m extremely happy with all that we have actually accomplished with each other and I’m extremely happy for the effort and devotion of every person I have actually dealt with throughout the years and certainly Toto (Wolff), for his relationship, assistance and management.
” With each other we have actually won titles, busted documents and come to be one of the most effective driver-team collaboration in F1 background. And certainly I can not neglect Niki (Lauda) that was a significant advocate and that I still miss out on daily.
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” I should additionally share my massive admiration to the entire of the Mercedes-Benz board and every person at the firm in Germany and all over the world for sustaining me over these 26 years.
” However the moment is appropriate to make a modification and tackle a brand-new obstacle. I still bear in mind the sensation of taking a jump of belief right into the unidentified when I initially signed up with Mercedes in 2013. I understand some individuals really did not recognize it at the time yet I was appropriate to make the action after that and it’s the sensation I have once again currently. I’m thrilled to see what I can give this brand-new chance and what we can do with each other.”
Prior to Hamilton makes the button to Maranello he has the 2024 period to eagerly anticipate where he claims he is “extra focussed than than ever before” on going back to the leading action of the platform and finishing the partnership on a high.
” Today, I’m not thinking of 2025,” Hamilton claimed. “My emphasis gets on the upcoming period and coming back out on course with Mercedes. I am extra driven than ever before, I am fitter and extra focussed than than ever before and I intend to aid Mercedes win once more. I am 100% devoted to the work I require to do and identified to finish my collaboration with the group on a high.
” Thanks to every one of you that have actually gotten on this trip with me, you have all raised me up as I chase my desires and I wish I can remain to make you honored. As constantly, sending you my love and favorable power.”
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( Dan Istitene/Getty Pictures)