Leaving Mercedes, Hamilton Says Schumacher Is Inspiration To Move To Ferrari

Hamilton (Photo: IG Hamilton)

JAKARTA - Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher inspired Racer Lewis Hamilton to leave Mercedes for the Ferrari racing team in the 2025 season.

"While watching Michael Schumacher at his heyday, I was thinking about what it would be like to be surrounded by the red team," Hamilton quoted Antara as saying.

No doubt, even when I was a kid, I played (pretending) as Michael in a car (race game). So it's really a dream and I'm really excited about it," he added.

The 39-year-old said moving to Ferrari was a big thing as well as an opportunity he didn't want to waste, so he had to think carefully before finally making a final decision.

"It's definitely been the hardest decision I've ever made. I've been with Mercedes for 26 years. It's been 26 years they've supported me and we've had an amazing journey together. We've created history in this sport and it's something I'm very proud of," Hamilton explained.

"However, I think in the end I wanted to write my own story and I felt it was time to start a new chapter," he added.

With Hamilton joining Ferrari, he will return in pairs with Fred Vasseur, who is now the manager of the gungkrak horse team.

The couple previously worked together when Hamilton moved upgrading at Formula Junior and has been on good terms ever since.

I have a good relationship with Fred. I raced with him in Formula 3 and achieved extraordinary success. From there, the foundation of our relationship began and we always kept exchanging contacts, Hamilton said.

Although he is very excited to start a new chapter with the new team, the Briton stressed that his current focus remains on the 2024 season and ending the season with Mercedes in the best possible way.

This Bab is still not finished. I am still 100 percent focused on providing results for this team this year and trying to finish it well. That is a huge goal for me and the team," Hamilton said.

I have great confidence with everyone in the team and all their efforts. What we've done so far, I think is extraordinary," he added.