‘Driving in Ferrari Red, a Childhood Dream’: Lewis Hamilton Opens Up on Sensational Switch Announcement – News18

Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who broke the internet with his announcement of a sensational switch to Ferrari from Mercedes opened up on his switch in a social media post on Saturday as he explained his position and thanked the Silver Arrows for their support all these years.

“It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions,” Hamilton’s post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter began.

“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,” he confirmed.

The 39-year-old explained that it was a childhood dream to race in a Ferrari and said he was chuffed about the possibility to don the famous red suit.

“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,” he explained.

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The driver from Stevenage expressed his grattude to the Silver Arrows for their constant support and reminisced about the six world titles the partnership yielded.

“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,” he added.

“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 explained the eap of faith that landed him at Mercedes and said he was engaged in something similar in his decision to switch to the Prancing Horse.

“But the time is right to make a change and take on 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 it’s the feeling I have again now. I’m excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together,” he elucidated.

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Hamilton, F1’s only black racer, emphasised on his focus on the year ahead as he will still be behind the wheel of a Mercedes in the 2024 season and suggested that he wanted to go out on a high.

“However, right now, I’m not thinking about 2025. My focus is on the upcoming season and getting back out on track with Mercedes. I am more driven than ever, I am fitter and more focussed than than ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again. I am 100% committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high,”

“Thank you to all of you who have been on this journey with me, you have all lifted me up as I chase my dreams and I hope I can continue to make you proud. As always, sending you my love and positive energy,” he concluded.