Lewis Hamilton speaks publicly for first time on ‘emotional’ Mercedes exit and Ferrari move

Lewis Hamilton has spoken publicly for the first time since his move to Ferrari was confirmed.

At the start of the month, Hamilton’s future with Mercedes was thrown into chaos after reports circulated that a move to Ferrari could happen in 2025.

It was then confirmed that Hamilton will indeed leave Mercedes after the 2024 campaign.

In 2025, seven-time world champion Hamilton will partner Charles Leclerc for Ferrari.

On Wednesday, Mercedes officially unveiled their car for the 2024 season, during the launch, Hamilton spoke about his future.

He said: “(The last few weeks) have obviously been emotional and it is very surreal to be here. The focus through the whole of winter training is getting the team back to where we once were. We have had these difficult couple of years which have been really grounding for us. It has helped us regroup and really look at things.

“It is such a privilege to work with a group of people where you see the work they do over the winter and you see a car come together at the beginning of the year and it is the most exciting part of the season. We have to be diligent, maximise practice and even one lap, George and I might get in the rain today will give us a feeling of what is to come.”

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff added: “It has been a very busy winter. It will be our last season with Lewis so we are keen on bringing a quick car.”

During his time with Mercedes, Hamilton has raced alongside the likes of Nico Rosberg, Valtteri Bottas and George Russell and won six Formula 1 world titles with the Brackley-based team, he will be hoping to win his eighth title this year to break the record held by himself and Michael Schumacher.

The 2024 F1 season will start with the Bahrain Grand Prix in March.