Lewis Hamilton reflects on his dream of joining Ferrari

In the traditional midday press conference in Bahrain during the winter tests, Lewis Hamilton extensively discussed his arrival at Ferrari in 2025. The British driver notably spoke about what changed after signing his contract with Mercedes last year, the influence of his relationship with Scuderia Ferrari’s team principal, Frédéric Vasseur, and how he wants to finish his final chapter with Mercedes on a positive note.

Despite the unexpected announcement of his transfer to Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton must compete in one last season with Mercedes in 2024. During the pre-season tests, he expressed positivity about his initial experiences with his new race car, the W15. However, outside of the car, the seven-time world champion has faced numerous questions about his upcoming move to the Prancing Horse team.

The most difficult decision I had to make.

Questioned about what had changed between his contract extension with Mercedes last summer and the decision to join Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton explained: “In the summer, we signed, and obviously, at that time, I saw my future with Mercedes. But an opportunity arose at New Year’s and I decided to seize it.”

(I) I think that… it was obviously the toughest decision I’ve had to make. Obviously, I’ve been with Mercedes for 26 years, they supported me all these years, and we’ve had an absolutely incredible journey together. We’ve made history in the sport, and it’s something I’m very proud of.

(b) But I think deep down, I am writing my own story and I felt that it was time to start a new chapter,” declared the British pilot.

The dream of emulating Michael Schumacher in red.

When the news of his transfer was announced, Hamilton wrote on social media that his arrival at Ferrari offered him a chance to fulfill a childhood dream, something he further elaborated on today.

Of course, I think that for every driver, we all sit in our garage and watch the screen light up, and you see the driver in the red cockpit and you wonder what it would be like to be surrounded by red,” expressed the seven-time world champion, who has won six titles at Mercedes.

« You go to the Italian Grand Prix and you see the sea of red Ferrari fans and you can’t help but be impressed by it,” Hamilton marveled. « It’s a team that hasn’t had huge success recently, and I saw it as a huge challenge. Without a doubt, even as a child, I used to play [on games] as Michael Schumacher in that car, so it’s definitely a dream come true and I’m really, really excited about it.”

I think the stars have aligned.

By joining Ferrari, Hamilton will once again be associated with Frédéric Vasseur. The two men have already worked together when the Briton was winning various titles in junior formula racing. Hamilton and Vasseur have stayed in touch since then, and the Briton acknowledges that this relationship has been an important factor in making the transfer happen.

I have an excellent relationship with Frédéric [Vasseur], explained Lewis Hamilton. Obviously, I raced with him, and we had incredible success in Formula 3 and also in GP2, and that’s really where the foundation of our relationship began. We have always stayed in touch. I thought he would be an incredible team principal at some point and progress in Formula 1, but at that time, he was not interested in that.

It was really cool to see him join the Alfa [Romeo] team, and then when he got the position at Ferrari, I was so happy for him, and I just think the stars aligned. I really don’t think this could have happened without him, so I’m really grateful and really excited about the work he’s doing there.

Stay focused and motivated with Mercedes for 2024.

As all this looms on the horizon for Hamilton, the Mercedes driver was keen to emphasize in Bahrain that his goal for now obviously remains the 2024 season, with his objective being to finish his story with the Silver Arrows in the best possible way.

This chapter is still not finished, he reminded. I am still 100% focused on the success of this team this year to finish on a high note.

« It’s a big goal for me and the team, and I have absolute confidence in everyone in the team. What we have done so far is great, so I really hope that we are somehow able to close the gap with Red Bull, concluded Lewis Hamilton.

The British driver will now take the wheel of the W15 next Thursday, still in Bahrain, for the first free practice session of the season.