Published February 03,2024
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Lewis Hamilton stated his “childhood dream” to race for Ferrari fuelled his bombshell resolution to agree to affix the group subsequent yr.
Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One world champion, will depart Mercedes on the finish of the 2024 season in a surprising change to Ferrari.
The 39-year-old had signed a brand new two-year cope with Mercedes value £100 million ($126 million) in August.
But Hamilton this week activated a break clause to seal his transfer to the Italian group after admitting the prospect of “driving in Ferrari red” was too laborious to show down.
“It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions,” Hamilton stated in a press release posted on his social media channels.
“But as you all now know, after an unbelievable 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to begin a brand new chapter in my life and I might be becoming a member of Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.
“I really feel extremely lucky, after attaining issues with Mercedes that I may solely have dreamed of as a child, that I now have the prospect to fulfil one other childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari pink.
“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.”
– ‘Leap of religion’ –
Hamilton received six of his world titles throughout a seven-year interval between 2014 and 2020.
But the British driver has struggled to match Red Bull rival Max Verstappen since he missed out on what would have been a file world championship in 2021 in controversial style.
Mercedes group principal Toto Wolff insisted on Friday he had no issues over Hamilton’s integrity forward of his ultimate season.
And Hamilton made clear his respect for Wolff and the Mercedes organisation as he stated: “I’m extremely happy with all that we have achieved collectively and I’m very grateful for the laborious work and dedication of everybody I’ve labored with over time and naturally Toto, for his friendship, steering and management.
“Together we have now received titles, damaged data and grow to be essentially the most profitable Driver-Team partnership in F1 historical past.
“But the time is correct to make a change and tackle a brand new problem. I nonetheless keep in mind the sensation of taking a leap of religion into the unknown once 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.”
Pledging to bow out on a excessive word with Mercedes, Hamilton added: “I’m extra pushed than ever, I’m fitter and extra targeted than ever and I need to assist Mercedes win as soon as once more.
“I am 100 percent committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high.”
Source: www.anews.com.tr
