Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton has explained his decision to leave Mercedes and sign with Ferrari for 2025

The seven-time world champion Formula 1, Lewis Hamiltonshowed this Friday in Bahrain its desire to do so “a new chapter begins” in his career when he joined the team Ferrari in 2025, after 12 seasons at Mercedes. The 39-year-old Briton, who spoke to the press for the first time since announcing his departure from Mercedes for Ferrari in early February, discussed the details of his surprising decision.

A surprise, given that the Briton had renewed his contract with Mercedes in the summer until the end of the 2025 season. but it had a freedom clause which will be activated at the end of the 2024 season.

“When we signed the renewal in the summer, it was clear that I saw my future at Mercedes, But an opportunity arose at the beginning of the year that I decided to take advantage of.“he explained during the last day of pre-season free practice in Bahrain.

“I feel like this is the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, I have been linked to Mercedes for 26 years. “They supported me and we lived an incredible adventure together, which marked the history of sport and which I feel very proud of,” He added.

“But ultimately I’m the one writing my own story and I felt it was time to start a new chapter.”Hamilton acknowledged.

With Mercedes, the driver who boasts 103 Grand Prix wins (a record in the top category) has taken the limits of Formula 1 to a new level, winning six world titles from 2014 to 2020.

But fans of “Sir Lewis” They can rest assured, because the episode with Mercedes “is not over yet”.

““I remain 100% focused on delivering results for this team this year and finishing strong.”he concluded.

The Formula 1 World Championship, which will have a record 24 Grands Prix this year, will kick off on March 2 in Bahrain.