Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One champion, has announced that he will fulfill a childhood dream by joining Ferrari next year. However, Hamilton emphasized that he is fully committed to Mercedes for the upcoming 2022 season before making the highly anticipated move.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to achieve remarkable milestones with Mercedes, Hamilton took to Instagram to share his mixed emotions about the decision. He wrote, 'I feel incredibly fortunate, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only have dreamed of as a kid, that I now have the chance to fulfill another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red.'
Hamilton compared his impending move to joining Mercedes from McLaren in 2013, when the team was struggling to compete against Formula One's elite. He acknowledged that not everyone understood his decision at that time, but he believes it proved to be the right move. He is now excited to embark on a new challenge with Ferrari and eager to contribute his skills and expertise to the team.
During his time with Mercedes, Hamilton clinched six out of his seven world titles, most recently in 2020. However, he narrowly missed out on the championship in 2021 when he was controversially beaten by Max Verstappen of Red Bull at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. It has been over a year since Hamilton last secured a victory, and he is determined to return to his winning ways.
Hamilton took a moment to express his appreciation for Mercedes, acknowledging the role of team principal Toto Wolff and paying tribute to the late Niki Lauda, former non-executive chairman of the team who passed away in 2019. He stated, 'I am more driven than ever, I am fitter and more focused than ever, and I want to help Mercedes win once again.' The 39-year-old driver remains fully committed to ending his partnership with Mercedes on a high note.
Fans and the motorsport community alike are eagerly awaiting Hamilton's move to Ferrari, which promises to create a fresh wave of excitement in the sport. As the news of his departure from Mercedes reverberates, the landscape of Formula One undergoes another significant transformation.
Hamilton's decision to switch teams marks a pivotal moment in his illustrious career and further solidifies his status as one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula One. With his relentless drive and desire for success, Hamilton will undoubtedly bring a new level of competitiveness and determination to Ferrari.
As the 2022 Formula One season approaches, fans will keep a close eye on Hamilton's final campaign with Mercedes, eager to witness the battles on the track and see him push for one last championship victory with the team that has been his home for the past decade. Meanwhile, the anticipation grows for the 2025 season, when a new chapter will begin for Hamilton as he dons the iconic red of Ferrari.
