Lewis Hamilton stated his “childhood dream” to race for Ferrari fuelled his bombshell choice to agree to hitch the workforce subsequent 12 months. Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One world champion, will go away Mercedes on the finish of the 2024 season in a shocking change to Ferrari. The 39-year-old had signed a brand new two-year cope with Mercedes price 100 million pound in August. But Hamilton this week activated a break clause to seal his transfer to the Italian workforce after admitting the prospect of “driving in Ferrari red” was too exhausting 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 incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining 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 possibility to fulfil one other childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari purple.

“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 gained 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 document world championship in 2021 in controversial trend.

Mercedes workforce principal Toto Wolff insisted on Friday he had no considerations over Hamilton’s integrity forward of his closing season.

And Hamilton made clear his respect for Wolff and the Mercedes organisation as he stated: “I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve achieved together and I’m very grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone I have worked with over the years and of course Toto, for his friendship, guidance and leadership.

“Together now we have gained titles, damaged data and turn out to be essentially the most profitable Driver-Team partnership in F1 historical past.

“But the time is right to make a change and take on a new challenge. I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined Mercedes in 2013.

“I do know some individuals did not perceive it on the time however I used to be proper to make the transfer then and it is the sensation I’ve once more now. I’m excited to see what I can convey to this new alternative and what we will do collectively.”

Pledging to bow out on a high note 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.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is revealed from a syndicated feed.)