Lewis Hamilton insists he chose to move to Mercedes for 2013 because it presents him with a fresh and exciting challenge, despite both Mercedes and McLaren presenting similar offers.
Whilst some claim the 27-year-old moved for the money, others are claiming he has made a rather risky and somewhat stupid decision to leave a proven winning team to one which has a single victory in almost three seasons.
Hamilton refutes both claims, telling Reuters that after an “incredible journey” with McLaren, it was time for a change.
“I don’t [think it’s a gamble],” he said whilst in Japan. “Not really. I’ve had such a great career with McLaren. I signed for McLaren when I was 13 and have had such an incredible journey with them.
“In the end I had two offers on the table which were very similar but one was a lot more exciting. It’s just a challenge.
“I could stay in the great car that I have, which I’ve worked really hard to help develop with the team, or go to a car that’s not so well developed and help it.”
Hamilton says he understands the task that lays ahead and he is in it for the long-term with the aim of developing Mercedes’ car into a championship winner.
“No, I’m fully aware the car at the moment is not a world championship-winning car,” he added.
“The car that I’m in right now is a car that I’ve developed. Next year will be an evolution of the car that I’ve helped develop and that will be a championship contender.
“But we [Mercedes] will work very, very hard to have a better year next year, but it takes time. You don’t just arrive and things change. I think the focus is more long-term.”
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