2024 began with a decision that marked a turning point in Lewis Hamilton's career: signing with Ferrari, announced in February, paved the way for a new chapter and ended an extraordinary era with Mercedes. Twelve years of success, seven world titles and an unprecedented legacy will end in Abu Dhabi, where Hamilton will race for the last time with the Brackley team. A farewell, which although it was "in the air" especially after the last few seasons, was not easy. The move to Ferrari, which came before the start of the season, inevitably generated tensions within the team and, together with the difficulties encountered on the track, has transformed this season into one of the most complex for the British champion. Hamilton himself tells, on the eve of the weekend in Abu Dhabi, how difficult it was to face a year so full of emotions and personal challenges.
Hamilton: “Difficult year but I won’t apologize, I’m human”
Hamilton reflected on the difficulties he experienced in 2024, from the first moments after the decision to leave Mercedes:
“At the first meeting with Toto, at the beginning of the year, there was a bit of embarrassment. I expected it would be difficult even to tell the team members, but I had greatly underestimated how much. The relationship was tested from the beginning because it took a while for a lot of people to accept what was going to happen and get over it.”
The British champion admitted that he has not always managed his emotions well, acknowledging that this season has been one of the most difficult of his career:
“On a personal level it has been an exciting year and I think I didn't express myself well in managing these emotions and dealing with them. Throughout my career you have seen me at my best and my worst, but I will not apologize, because I am human and I cannot be perfect. But I can say that this has been one of my worst years, so I have to work to try to do better."
Ferrari, the new chapter on the horizon
Despite the difficulties, Hamilton is determined to end his adventure at Mercedes in the best possible way and to celebrate a historic collaboration one last time before turning the page towards the red Ferrari:
“Ferrari is not something I’m thinking about at the moment, I just want to finish in the best possible way with Mercedes. I certainly feel great emotion. Then, undoubtedly, Going to Ferrari rekindles my motivation. It's every driver's dream. However, it takes time to integrate into a team, I will adopt the same mentality that I had when I arrived at Mercedes."
Hamilton also underlined the importance of the work done at Mercedes off the track:
“I’m really proud of the work we’ve done against racism and discrimination. We have a really diverse and inclusive team.”
Source statements: FormulaPassion
