Lewis Hamilton has made his first public comments about his decision to leave Mercedes at the end of 2024 after 11 years with the team, in order to head to Maranello and join Ferrari in 2025.
Although Mercedes' press release on Thursday contained brief quotes from him, Hamilton waited until Saturday to use his Instagram social media page to give a more personal take on the bombshell development direct to his fans.
He used the opportunity to explain that driving for Ferrari had been a long-held dream, and that when the opportunity had presented itself he simply hadn't been able to turn it down.
"It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions," he began.
"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 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 fulfil another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red.
"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," he continued.
"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 we have won titles, broken records and become the most successful driver-team partnership in F1 history. And of course I cannot forget Niki [Lauda] who was a huge supporter and who I still miss everyday.
"I must also share my huge appreciation to the whole of the Mercedes-Benz board and everyone at the company in Germany and around the world for supporting me over these 26 years.
"But the time is right to make a change and take on a new challenge," he revealed, recalling the similar shock produced by his decision to leave his early F1 home at McLaren to join Mercedes in 2013.
"I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined Mercedes in 2013. I know some people didn’t understand it at the time but I was right to make the move then.
"It’s the feeling I have again now," he rote. "I’m excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together.
"However, right now, I’m not thinking about 2025. My focus is on the upcoming season and getting back out on track with Mercedes.
"I am more driven than ever, I am fitter and more focussed than than ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again. I am 100 per cent committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high.
"Thank you to all of you who have been on this journey with me, you have all lifted me up as I chase my dreams and I hope I can continue to make you proud. As always, sending you my love and positive energy."
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