F1 legend Lewis Hamilton shares 'POWERFUL' message in first official statement as Ferrari driver

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton shares 'POWERFUL' message in first official statement as Ferrari driver

Lewis Hamilton has officially joined Ferrari

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Friday 3 January 2025 19:56 Updated: 21:55

Lewis Hamilton has released his first statement since officially becoming a Ferrari driver.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion has opted to switch teams for 2025 and beyond, ditching what became the most successful driver-team combination in F1 history at Mercedes.

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Across 12 seasons, Hamilton claimed six drivers' titles and 84 grand prix victories, while the team won eight constructors' titles.

However, the final three seasons of the partnership yielded just two race victories, as Hamilton's arch rival Max Verstappen dominated the sport with his Red Bull team, leaving Mercedes suffering with performance issues.

Lewis Hamilton is officially a Ferrari driver

Lewis Hamilton has ditched the Mercedes team with whom he achieved historic success

Hamilton's first Ferrari statement

Before the 2024 season had even begun, Hamilton announced that he would be moving to Ferrari in a last-ditch attempt to try and win an elusive eighth world championship before his time in the sport comes to an end.

He already leads the all-time lists of race victories, pole positions and podiums, but is level with Michael Schumacher in the list of all-time world championship wins.

Schumacher spent 11 seasons with Ferrari between 1996 and 2006, winning five of his titles in that spell.

While Hamilton's age will likely prevent him from spending anywhere near that amount of time with the iconic Maranello outfit, the 39-year-old has signed a long-term deal that will take him into the new regulations that are set to sweep into the sport in 2026.

Now, the Brit has released his first official statement as a Ferrari driver, looking forward to the new challenges that lay ahead after a disappointing 2024.

"I could not be more excited for the year ahead," Hamilton said in a post on LinkedIn.

"Moving to Scuderia Ferrari, there’s a lot to reflect on. To anyone considering their next move in 2025: embrace the change. Whether you're switching industries, learning a new skill, or even just taking on new challenges, remember that reinvention is powerful. Your next opportunity is always within reach.

"Here’s to 2025 - a year of embracing new opportunities, staying hungry, and driving forward with purpose. Let’s make it one to remember. Andiamo 🏎️❤️ #newjob."

Red Bull Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes Formula 1