Lewis Hamilton admitted that his blockbuster move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season is a chance “to write a new chapter” in his illustrious career.
The Briton has been affiliated with Mercedes since his junior career and throughout his time in F1, firstly with McLaren and then the marque’s works team from 2013.
But despite signing a two-year contract with Mercedes last August, Hamilton exercised an option to end that deal and complete a switch to Ferrari from next year.
On the final day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, Hamilton spoke at length regarding the impending transfer and his feelings towards both Ferrari and Mercedes.
“Obviously in the summer we signed and at that time I saw my future with Mercedes,” the British driver said regarding his contract extension last year.
“But an opportunity came up in the New Year and I decided to take it. I feel like it was the hardest decision I have ever had to make.
“I have had a relationship with Mercedes since I was 13. They have supported me, and we have had an incredible journey together, created history within the sport and it is something I take a lot of pride in.
“But ultimately I am writing my story, and I felt like it was time to start a new chapter.
“Like all drivers, I watched Michael Schumacher in my youth in its heyday. You think about what it would be like to drive in red one day.
“I’ve never been to Maranello. I bought my first Ferrari in 2010, as a gift to myself. But I quickly sold it. When I went to Mercedes, I thought it wasn’t a good look.”
Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari will see him link back up with Fred Vasseur, who stewarded the Briton’s title-winning efforts in both Formula 3 and GP2 with ART Grand Prix.
The seven-time champion believes that his relationship with Vasseur and the Frenchman’s presence at Ferrari was critical to his decision to change teams.
“I’ve got a great relationship with Fred,” Hamilton added. “Obviously I raced with him in Formula 3 and we had amazing success in Formula 3 and also in GP2.
“That’s really where the foundation of our relationship started and we just always remained in touch.
“I thought that he was going to be an amazing team manager at some stage in Formula 1, but at the time, he wasn’t interested in that and it was really cool to see him step into the Alfa [Romeo] team.
“And then when he got there, he was a great guy, but Ferrari, I was just so happy for him and I think just the stars aligned.
“I think it really wouldn’t have happened without him. So I’m really grateful and really excited about the work that he’s doing there.”
While Hamilton is undoubtedly excited about suiting up in scarlet red next year, he reaffirmed that his focus is on closing out his stint with Mercedes on a high.
“Just to go back to just about the new chapter, this chapter is still not finished,” he asserted.
“I’m still 100% focused on this team [Mercedes] this year and trying to finish on a high, that’s a big big goal for me and the team.
“What we’ve done so far I think is great. So I really hope that we are somehow able to close the gap to the Red Bulls somehow.”
Hamilton’s success with Mercedes has extended to carving out a legacy through various STEM initiatives and the strive for more diversity and inclusion within F1.
Prideful was the overwhelming response to the efforts Hamilton and Mercedes have made regarding diversity inclusion, which he believes will continue after he leaves for Maranello, where the matter will be a priority.
“I’m immensely proud of the work that we’ve done within Mercedes,” Hamilton said.
“Since 2020, we’ve made some real great strides in improving the diversity within the team.
“For example, within HR we’ve got a diverse HR group and that will continue beyond me, which is something I’m really proud of and as I said I’m proud of the team for pushing so hard ahead.
“I think we are ahead of every other team in that respect and there still is a huge amount of work within the whole sport.
“I’m speaking to Stefano Domenicali constantly and looking to work more with Formula One and of course yeah, you look at Ferrari they have a lot of work to do so I’ve already made that a priority in speaking with John [Elkann] and they’re super excited to get on and work on it also.”
