Lewis Hamilton said his Mercedes exit to join Ferrari is because he believes it is time to write “a new chapter” in his record-breaking career.
Hamilton was speaking for the first time at length since his blockbuster move to the Italian giants in 2025 was confirmed earlier this month.
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The 39-year-old, who joined Mercedes from McLaren in 2013, signed a two-year contract extension only last August.
F1 2024. Here we come pic.twitter.com/vvYL8BAx6P
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 14, 2024
But over the winter he elected to terminate his £100million deal 12 months early to make the switch.
“Obviously in the summer we signed and at that time I saw my future with Mercedes,” said Hamilton as he opened up on his decision to make the move to Ferrari.
“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.”
