Lewis Hamilton 'Couldn't Be Happier' to Start ‘New Era’ at Ferrari After 12 Years with Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton has his engine at the ready!

On Monday, Jan. 20, the Formula One driver, 40, shared a photograph of himself on Instagram opting for business attire for his first day with the Ferrari team.

“There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days,” he wrote in the caption.

Having spent 12 years racing for Mercedes, Hamilton — who was dressed in a smart pinstripe suit for his big moment — reflected on his sporting achievements.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier to realize that dream today.”

“Today we start a new era in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together,” he concluded.

Related: Lewis Hamilton Says His Parents Didn't Even Know About His Decision to Join Ferrari's F1 Team

Back in February 2024, fans of motorsport were shocked when Hamilton announced that he would be leaving the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team as he had signed a two-year contract with them the year prior.

The F1 driver said in a statement shared by Mercedes at the time, “I'm so proud of what we have achieved together," before adding that they have “been part of my life since I was 13 years old."

"It's a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make," he said. "But the time is right for me to take this step and I'm excited to be taking on a new challenge."

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Hamilton won two races in 2024 but was ultimately outqualified 19-5 by teammate George Russell as the season went on.

He is now replacing Carlos Sainz at Ferarri in racing alongside Charles Leclerc.

Related: Lewis Hamilton Says He Struggled with Depression from 'Very Early' in Life: 'Had No One to Talk to'

Per Sports Illustrated Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said that Hamilton's move had put him "back in the game."

“He has a great desire for change, he’s not afraid," he added.

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