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Lewis Hamilton has commented for the first time following his shock move to join Ferrari’s Formula One team in 2025, thanking Mercedes-Benz for its decades of support via social media.

But he also noted how, just like when he made shockwaves by leaving McLaren to join a then underperforming Mercedes team over a decade ago, he feels the time is right to take another leap “into the unknown”.

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“It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with emotions,” Hamilton said. “But as you all now know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG, 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,” he added.

Hamilton noted how Mercedes has been a “huge” part of his life since he was 13, and that moving to Ferrari was the “hardest” decision he had ever made. “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,” he said.

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“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 every day.”

He said it was now the right time to make the jump. “I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined Mercedes in 2013,” he said. “I know some people didn’t understand it at the time but I was right to make the move then and it’s the feeling I have again now. I’m excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together.”

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Before he pulls on his scarlet overalls and gets ready to query questionable strategy calls, however, Hamilton has unfinished business. “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 ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again. I am 100 percent committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high.”