Lewis Hamilton has provided further insight into his decision to sign with Ferrari for 2025, shedding light on what prompted the change following his contract signing with Mercedes last summer.
The seven-time world champion also elaborated on the influence of his relationship with Scuderia boss Fred Vasseur and expressed his desire to conclude his final chapter with the Silver Arrows on a high note.
The Formula 1 world was caught off guard by Hamilton’s move to Ferrari at the start of February, especially considering his previous indication of ending his career with Mercedes.
Hamilton had inked a new deal with Mercedes in the summer of 2023, extending his tenure with the team until the end of 2025.
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However, Hamilton activated a release clause in his contract, allowing him to join Ferrari next season following his final stint with Mercedes in 2024.
Amid pre-season testing in Bahrain, Hamilton spoke positively about his initial experiences with Mercedes’ new car, the W15.
Nevertheless, outside the cockpit, the 39-year-old faced numerous inquiries about his imminent transition to the red team.
Reflecting on the change from signing with Mercedes to opting for Ferrari, Hamilton explained, “In the summer, we signed, and obviously I, at that time, saw my future with Mercedes.
But an opportunity came up in the new year and I decided to take it.”
Hamilton, in discussing his switch to Ferrari, articulated on social media how it offered a chance to fulfil a “childhood dream,” a sentiment he expanded upon in Bahrain.
“When news broke of the move, Hamilton shared on social media about how the switch to Ferrari offered a chance to fulfil a ‘childhood dream’, something that he elaborated on further in Bahrain.”
“In joining Ferrari, Hamilton will again link up with Fred Vasseur.
The pair previously worked together during Hamilton’s climb up the ranks in junior formulae and have remained in contact ever since.”
Hamilton acknowledged the importance of his relationship with Vasseur, stating, “I’ve got a great relationship with Fred.
Obviously, I raced with him in Formula 3, and we had amazing success in Formula 3 and also in GP2, and that’s really where the foundation of our relationship started.”
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Regarding learning Italian for his new team, Hamilton admitted, “In all these years I’ve not managed to learn any other languages, but of course I will definitely try.”
Hamilton also emphasised the significance of diversity within the team, expressing pride in the progress Mercedes has made in this area and discussing his intentions to continue advocating for diversity within Formula 1, including at Ferrari.
As Hamilton looks forward to his future with Ferrari, he remains committed to his ongoing season with Mercedes, aiming to conclude his tenure with the team on a high note.