Lewis Hamilton 'Couldn't Be Happier' to Start ‘New Era’ at Ferrari After 12 Years with Mercedes

Mar. 15, 2025

Lewis Hamilton, pictured at the Bahrain International Circuit in 2023.Photo:AP Photo/Frank Augstein

AP Photo/Frank Augstein

Lewis Hamiltonhas his engine at the ready!

On Monday, Jan. 20, the Formula One driver, 40, shared a photograph of himself onInstagramopting for business attire for his first day with the Ferrari team.

“There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days,” he wrote in the caption.

Having spent 12 years racing for Mercedes,Hamilton— who was dressed in a smart pinstripe suit for his big moment — reflected on his sporting achievements.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier to realize that dream today.”

“Today we start a new era in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together,” he concluded.

Lewis Hamilton, pictured in 2024.Mark Thompson/Getty

Mark Thompson/Getty

Back in February 2024, fans of motorsport were shocked when Hamilton announced that he would beleaving the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Teamas he had signed a two-year contract with them the year prior.

Lewis Hamilton, pictured at Paris Fashion Week.GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/AFP via Getty

GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/AFP via Getty

“It’s a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make,” he said. “But the time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge.”

Lewis Hamilton, pictured in 2020.CLIVE MASON/POOL/AFP via Getty

CLIVE MASON/POOL/AFP via Getty

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He is now replacingCarlos Sainzat Ferarri in racing alongsideCharles Leclerc.

PerSports IllustratedFerrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said that Hamilton’s move had put him “back in the game.”

“He has a great desire for change, he’s not afraid," he added.

source: people.com