I can’t:Hamilton says leaving Mercedes was the ‘hardest decision’

Lewis Hamilton has opened up about his move to Ferrari from Mercedes, claiming it was the “hardest decision”.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, 39, will join Ferrari for the 2025 season after 11 years at Mercedes.

Six of Hamilton’s record-equalling seven titles have come with the Silver Arrows after moving from McLaren in 2013.

And the British star says he will continue to be a Mercedes fan even after their relationship comes to a close at the end of the 2024 campaign.

Hamilton told the BBC’s Back at Base podcast: “Honestly, it was the hardest decision.

“When I left McLaren it was a very, very hard decision also because it was like my family.

“You feel such a part of the family and obviously Mercedes have been such a huge part of my life and we’ve achieved so much together.

“And the thing is, I will always be a Mercedes fan and we’ll always have this incredible history together.

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He added: “It happened very fast and I’ve known Fred [Frederic Vasseur] for a long time.

“For me, I was excited for a new year, but not really knowing what the future would hold and not really knowing how long I was going to race for, but knowing that I felt super driven and excited to continue to race.

“I mean, the opportunity just popped up and I was like, ‘OK, I’ve got to think for a second’.

“And I didn’t have a lot of time to think and I had to just go with my gut feeling and I decided to take the opportunity.”

The 2024 F1 season kicks off next Saturday in Bahrain and concludes in Abu Dhabi on December 8.