Hamilton said his childhood dream would come true by joining Ferrari.

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton stated that after the transition from “Mercedes “V”Ferrari “his childhood dream will come true.

On Thursday it became known that the Briton had signed a multi-year contract with the Italian team, which will be valid from 2025. Hamilton, 39, will replace Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who will spend his last season at Ferrari. Monegasque Charles Leclerc also signed a multi-year contract with the team.

“It was a crazy few days, filled with a whole range of emotions. As you all know by now, after 11 incredible years with the Mercedes team, it is time to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Ferrari in 2025.

I am incredibly lucky: after having achieved with Mercedes what I could only dream of as a child, I now have the chance to realize another childhood dream. Get behind the wheel of a red Ferrari.

I am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together and very grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone I have worked with over the years, and of course Toto (Mercedes boss Wolff) for his friendship and leadership. Together we won titles, broke records and became the most successful driver-team partnership in Formula 1 history,” Hamilton wrote on social media.

According to the driver, he is convinced of the correctness of his choice, as he was before moving to Mercedes.

“But it’s time to change something and take on a new challenge. » I still remember the feeling I had when I took a step into the unknown by joining Mercedes in 2013. I know some people didn’t understand it at the time, but I was right to take that step back then, and I still feel that way today. I can’t wait to see what we can do together as a new team.

However, I’m not thinking about 2025 at the moment. I am focusing on the upcoming season and getting back on track with Mercedes. “I’m more motivated than ever, I’m in good shape and I want to help Mercedes win again,” Hamilton said.

The Briton has won six championship titles with Mercedes (another with McLaren in 2008).

Hamilton shares the record with Michael Schumacher for the most Formula One titles and is the only driver to have won 100 or more championship races (103 victories).