Lewis Hamilton Denies Lack of Faith in Mercedes, Embraces Ferrari Challenge
Lewis Hamilton has firmly dismissed suggestions that his decision to depart from Mercedes after the 2024 season was due to a loss of faith in the team’s ability to contend for championships. Amidst his move to Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton clarified his commitment to Mercedes for the current season and expressed unwavering confidence in the team’s capabilities.
“I’m 100% a Mercedes driver right now, that’s my sole focus this year, and as I said, I don’t want to have any of this distract me from doing the job for this team,” Hamilton told media before Bahrain GP
Following two seasons of challenging developments, Mercedes unveiled the W15, a conventionally designed car providing a solid platform for the 2024 campaign, Hamilton’s final season with the team before transitioning to Ferrari. Despite departing for a new challenge at Ferrari, Hamilton emphasized his dedication to Mercedes for the current year and reiterated his belief in the team’s potential to secure victories.
“I want to finish on a high. I think there’s been a huge amount of work over the winter, and I have so much faith in this team.
“I see the motivation in everybody that I’ve worked with for so many years. It’s not just a normal driver partnering. There’s no other team that’s had what we’ve had.
“There’s no other team that’s achieved what we’ve achieved, and the relationships I have with the people within my team go very deep, so my goal is to deliver for them.
Addressing media inquiries, before the Bahrain Grand Prix, Hamilton emphasized his sole focus on Mercedes for the ongoing season, aiming to finish on a high note. He underscored the significant efforts made by the team over the winter and expressed profound faith in their collective abilities.
Hamilton dismissed any notions of losing faith in Mercedes, highlighting the exceptional relationships and achievements forged over his tenure with the team. He emphasized his commitment to delivering optimal performance and expressed confidence in Mercedes’ capabilities to secure future championships.
“And this year, if I can have the best year in terms of delivery that I’ve ever had, that would be… I’d be really happy with that.
“Next year, I’ve got all new relationships, a whole new environment, new language, everything, so it’s two separate things and both just as exciting.
Looking ahead to his move to Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton described it as a childhood dream and an enticing challenge to revive the team’s championship aspirations. He acknowledged the rich history and iconic status of Ferrari while embracing the opportunity to embark on a new chapter in his career.
“It’s all about a new chapter in my life, and I really feel like I’ve done everything I could possibly do with this team.
“I’m on the back end of my career. I love a challenge, and this is the ultimate challenge, really, to go to a team that is incredibly iconic, has also amazing history, but also has not had as much success, I guess, as they would have hoped in the past decade or so.”
In closing, Hamilton reiterated his belief in Mercedes’ potential to secure another championship, affirming his deep appreciation for the team’s history and unwavering commitment to excellence. While acknowledging the forthcoming transition to Ferrari as an exciting new chapter, Hamilton expressed gratitude for his time with Mercedes and his readiness for the ultimate challenge ahead.
