Lewis Hamilton has recounted how it was a “terrifying” experience when he told Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff that he would be leaving to go to Ferrari in 2025.
Ferrari announced prior to the action even commencing in 2024 the bombshell revelation that Hamilton has agreed a multi-year deal to move to the team next season.
The seven-time champion seemed poised to conclude his illustrious F1 career with Mercedes when he signed a new contract extension through 2025 12 months ago.
But successive winless seasons upon F1’s return to ground effect cars in 2022 and Ferrari’s approach prompted Hamilton to activate a break clause in the agreement.
Wolff admitted at the time that he was aware a switch could be in the works via rumours, but he “wanted to wait” until his planned meeting with Hamilton at his home.
READ MORE: Wolff reveals how he was informed of Hamilton’s Mercedes F1 departure
Hamilton broke the news over breakfast, which the Briton, who has been with the German marque’s works setup since 2013, has recalled as being a nervous moment.
“It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions from the moment I signed the contract — telling my boss, that was terrifying,” Hamilton told the Times.
Schumacher’s impact on Hamilton’s Ferrari move
Hamilton has expressed that his memories of watching Michael Schumacher win five titles with Ferrari enticed him to accept the Maranello-based squad’s advances.
“But it is so exciting because I remember as a kid watching Michael,” he continued.
“Every driver watches that car and you’re like: ‘What would it be like to sit in the red cockpit?’”
Hamilton enduring ’emotional’ Mercedes countdown
Hamilton has ensured that he will bow out at Mercedes with a win this season as he ended his extensive 945-day wait with an emotional home triumph at Silverstone.
The ex-McLaren driver prevailed again at the Belgian Grand Prix to extend his record to 105 career victories in F1, with 84 coming since he moved to the Silver Arrows.
Asked at Monza last month whether it was getting more emotional as the races counted down, Hamilton replied: “It’s been there all year. Every single race you turn up.
“I love my team so much. We have been through a hell of a lot together so it will be emotional every single race.
“Because every race we do is the last time at that particular place. Every race we get closer and closer to the last time I’ll be in that Mercedes.
“It’s going to be tough, but my focus is just to do my best job for the team and to finish on a high.”
READ MORE: The multi-year F1 proposal Ferrari presented Hamilton that Mercedes couldn’t
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