By Patrick Sung, CNN
(CNN) — Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said that he’s fulfilling a “childhood dream” by joining Ferrari in 2025 in his first social media post since his sensational move away from Mercedes was announced on Thursday.
Hamilton’s shock move to the Italian outfit to replace Spanish driver Carlos Sainz was first reported by Sky Sports and Spanish media on Thursday and has taken the motorsport world by storm, with the move being called “the single biggest driver transfer in the history of the sport” by F1 broadcaster Will Buxton.
The 39-year-old Hamilton, who shares the record for the most F1 world titles with Michael Schumacher, joined Mercedes in 2013 after beginning his career with McLaren in 2007.
Despite signing an extension with Mercedes until 2025 in August last year, the team said in a statement that Hamilton had “activated a release option in the contract” and would depart the Silver Arrows at the conclusion of the upcoming campaign.
Ferrari announced shortly after that it had signed Hamilton to “a multi-year contract.”
In his Saturday post, Hamilton was clear that, while the “time is right to make a change and take on a new challenge,” the decision was not an easy one to make.
While the British driver said that he’s excited about the new challenge with the Scuderia,he was adamant that all his focus was on the upcoming season with Mercedes.
Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell, will likely agree with the sentiment, posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday: “It’s been special racing alongside you, @lewishamilton. Let’s make this season one to remember.”
The-CNN-Wire
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