Lewis Hamilton says he will be ‘fulfilling a childhood dream’ by joining Ferrari after he reflects on a ‘crazy few days’ following his shock move.
The seven-time world champion stunned Formula One on Thursday by confirming he join the planet’s most famous sporting brand from 2025.
Hamilton has signed a £40million-plus deal to see out his career at Ferrari.
In his first social media post since the move was confirmed, Hamilton said he will be fulfilling a dream by racing for the Italian manufacturer.
‘It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions,’ Hamilton wrote.
It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions.
But as you all now know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) February 3, 2024
‘I feel incredibly fortunate, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only have dreamed of as a kid, that I now have the chance to fulfil another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red.
‘Mercedes has been a huge part of my life since I was 13 years old, so this decision has been the hardest I’ve ever had to make.
‘I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve achieved together and I’m very 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.
‘Together we have won titles, broken records and become the most successful Driver-Team partnership in F1 history. And of course I cannot forget Niki who was a huge supporter and who I still miss everyday.
‘I must also share my huge appreciation to the whole of the Mercedes-Benz board and everyone at the company in Germany and around the world for supporting me over these 26 years.’
Hamilton also reiterated his previous comments that leaving Mercedes for Ferrari was ‘one of the hardest decisions’ he ever had to make.
The 38-year-old repeated his belief that the ‘time is right’ to be taking on a new challenge.
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