Racing in Ferrari is the dream of every child who dreams of being a Formula 1 driver. Even that of Lewis Hamilton who has never hidden his interest in a future in red. In the past, Hamilton's path and that of Ferrari they never crossed paths. But the door has always remained open, on both sides. With the confidence of being able to build something together, at the right time. And finally that moment has arrived, thanks to a rather strong push from John Elkann and a relationship with Mercedes that began to falter after the lack of competitiveness of the W13 and W14. With the announcement of the agreement reached for the 2025 season an important new chapter begins for Ferrari and Hamilton. A chapter destined to radically overturn the current panorama and that of the coming years. So let's see Hamilton's statements, the first as a future Ferrari driver.
Declarations Hamilton: “I thank Mercedes for these 11 years but Ferrari was my dream”
After a day of silence from the official press release issued by Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton returns to social media with a long post in which he thanks Mercedes for the 11 years spent together, what awaits him in the next two years and the dream he had since he was a child, and which at the dawn of his 40s he is realizing, namely racing for Ferrari.
“It's been a crazy few days and full of a range of emotions. But as you all know, after 11 incredible years at the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will join Scuderia Ferrari in 2025. I feel incredibly lucky, after having accomplished things with Mercedes that I could only have dreamed of as a child, to now have the chance to realize another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red."
The years in Mercedes, the world titles and a team that grew with him
Being able to digest everything is difficult for us, let alone for Hamilton who has won so much at Mercedes in these 11 years. Growing together with the team, not only in the years in which he raced there as an official driver.
“Mercedes has been a big part of my life since I was 13, so this decision was the hardest I've ever had to make. I am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together and I am very grateful for the commitment 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 can't forget Niki that she was a great supporter and that I still miss her every day."
Time to change and the future
For Lewis Hamilton the time has come for a change, for yet another important chapter in his career. The last one, the one that closes the circle. But before he does, there will be one last season in black and silver waiting for him. And he wants to close it as best as possible. “But it's the right time to change and face a new challenge. I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined Mercedes in 2013. I know some people didn't understand it at the time but I was right to make the move then and that's the feeling I get again now. I'm excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together."
“However, at the moment, I'm not thinking about 2025. My goal is next season and getting back on track with Mercedes. I am more motivated than ever, I am fitter and more focused than ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again. I am 100% committed to the work I have to do and I am determined to finish my partnership with the team on a high.” These are Hamilton's statements regarding the next chapter at Ferrari. Finally, we cannot fail to thank the fans and the new ones who will come.
“Thank you to all of you who have been on this journey with me, you have lifted me up as I chase my dreams and I hope I can continue to make you proud. As always I send you my love and positive energy."
