Lewis Hamilton explained how Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur had a key role in his decision to switch to the Scuderia in 2025.
The seven-time world champion had already worked with Vasseur back in his Formula 2 and Formula 3 days. Their relationship was great and successful, and Hamilton always thought he had all the skills to join Formula 1.
“I’ve got a great relationship with Fred. Obviously, I raced with him in F2, and we had amazing success in F3, and also in GP2. That’s really where the foundation of our relationship started. We always remained in touch.
“I thought that he was going to be an amazing team manager at some stage and progress to F1, but at the time, he wasn’t interested in that.
“It was really cool to see him step into the Alfa team. Then, when he got the job at Ferrari, I was just so happy for him.
“I think just the stars aligned, I think it really wouldn’t have happened without him. So I’m really grateful and really excited about the work that he’s doing there.”
Hamilton continued by saying that he was still committed to continuing with Mercedes, but over the winter his ideas changed as an opportunity with Ferrari presented to him.
“Obviously in the summer I signed, and obviously, at that time, I saw my future with Mercedes,” he said. “But an opportunity came up at the end of the year, and I decided to take it.
“I feel like it was obviously the hardest decision I think I’ve ever had to make. I’ve been with Mercedes, I think it’s like 26 years they’ve supported me, and we’ve had an absolutely incredible journey together.
“We’ve created history within the sport, and it’s something I take a lot of pride in, and I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved. But I think ultimately, I’m writing my story. And I felt like it was time to start a new chapter.”