The seven-time world champion introduced at first of February that he can be switching to Ferrari in 2025 after electing to activate an exit clause in a deal he had initially signed with Mercedes.
And whereas the continued aggressive variations between Mercedes and Ferrari have prompted onlookers to debate about whether or not or not he has made the best transfer, he says what others assume is irrelevant.
As an alternative, he says the one factor that issues is being proud of the choice himself, as he was when he joined Mercedes in 2013 regardless of loads of folks questioning it.
Requested forward of the Chinese language Grand Prix if Mercedes’ present struggles had confirmed he had made the best alternative in transferring to Ferrari, Hamilton mentioned: “Properly, I do not really feel like I want my choice vindicating. I believe I do know what’s proper for me, and that hasn’t modified because the second that I made the choice.
“There’s not been a second the place I’ve questioned it, and I am not swayed by different folks’s feedback. Even at the moment, there’s folks persevering with to speak shit, and it’ll proceed on for the remainder of the yr.
“And I am going to have to simply do what I did within the earlier time. Solely you’ll be able to know what was best for you. And it will likely be an thrilling time for me.”
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG F1 Staff
Photograph by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
On the Japanese Grand Prix, Hamilton expressed some annoyance to a journalist who requested whether or not he was glad to be going to Ferrari as a result of they had been ‘higher’.
“Do you’ve gotten any higher questions?” demanded Hamilton earlier than the interview ended.
Hamilton is obvious that he sees his change to Ferrari as a long-term venture, which may see him racing on in F1 into his mid-40s, like Fernando Alonso is.
“I’m going to be racing for fairly a while nonetheless,” he declared. “So, it is undoubtedly good that he is nonetheless round, I hope that he retains going for slightly bit longer as properly.”
He added: “I by no means thought that I would be racing into my 40s. I am fairly positive I mentioned I would not go into my 40s racing, however I believe it is such a loopy journey, life, that I do not really feel like I am almost 40 years outdated. I really feel actually younger nonetheless.”