‘The hardest I’ve ever had to make’ – Lewis Hamilton break silence

Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton opens up on his decision to swap Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of this year.

The Brit’s shock move to Ferrari made the headlines around the world this week and was easily the biggest news story in F1 in over a decade.

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The 39-year-old signed a two-year extension with Mercedes late last year and many thought the Brit was probably going to stay with the Brackley-based team beyond 2025.

Writing on Instagram, Lewis Hamilton his decision to leave Mercedes was “the hardest I’ve ever had to make”, and that he will forever be grateful for his time with the Silver Arrows, where he has claimed six of his seven world titles.

“It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions,” said Hamilton.

“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 to leave Mercedes at the end of the year

“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.

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“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 [Lauda, former Mercedes Non-Executive Chairman] who was a huge supporter and who I still miss every day.

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“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 said it was always his childhood dream to drive for Ferrari.

“The time is right to make a change and take on a new challenge,” he added.

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“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,” Hamilton.

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