Formula 1 was taken aback by the unexpected news earlier this month that Lewis Hamilton is set to leave Mercedes for Ferrari at the season’s end.
Hamilton referred to the move as “the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make,” as he prepares for his last season with Mercedes, starting with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 2.
Hamilton has expressed that transitioning to Ferrari represents “the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make,” marking the conclusion of his tenure with Mercedes. The seven-time world champion’s startling revelation of his switch to the iconic Italian team on a multi-year agreement came this month.
This transition signifies the closure of Hamilton’s extensive and successful stint with Mercedes, during which he secured six world championships and had recently renewed his contract the preceding summer.
“Obviously in the summer we signed and at that time I saw my future with Mercedes,” Hamilton said.
“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.”
The Brit marked his 39th birthday, and he will have entered his 40s by the time he competes in his inaugural race for Ferrari.
His most recent world championship victory was in 2020, marking his sixth title in seven years.
However, in the seasons that followed, Hamilton has seen varied finishes in the Drivers’ Championship standings, placing second, sixth, and third, respectively, as Max Verstappen and Red Bull have emerged as the dominant force in Formula 1.
