Lewis Hamilton stated his choice to affix Ferrari does not want “vindicating” as he criticised “talk” round his transfer from Mercedes subsequent season.
The seven-time world champion surprised the sporting world in February as he confirmed that 2024 could be his twelfth and remaining season with Mercedes forward of a transfer to the Italian crew.
Hamilton has been usually requested about his impending change in the course of the early phases of the 2024 season, which has seen Ferrari make a far stronger begin than Mercedes.
“I don’t feel like I need my decision vindicating,” Hamilton stated in Shanghai on Thursday forward of this weekend’s Chinese language Grand Prix.
“I do know what was proper for me, and that hasn’t modified because the second that I made the choice.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz tells the story behind Lewis Hamilton’s shock choice to affix Ferrari in 2025
“There’s not been a moment where I questioned it, and I’m not swayed by other people’s comments.”
The transfer will probably be simply the second time Hamilton has modified groups in F1, with the 39-year-old’s different change coming when he left McLaren to affix Mercedes in 2012.
Whereas that call was revealed considerably later within the 12 months previous it than Hamilton’s Ferrari transfer, the Brit says he’ll use that have to deal with the method this time round.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Lewis Hamilton went on the crew radio to ask if he ought to let team-mate George Russell by means of, who appeared sooner on the Japanese Grand Prix
“Even today, there’s people continuing to talk **** and it will continue on for the rest of the year,” he added. “And I’ll have to just do what I did the previous time.
“Solely you’ll be able to know what’s best for you and it will likely be an thrilling time for me.”
‘Ferrari transfer no short-term factor’
Hamilton’s multi-year settlement with Ferrari, which runs till no less than the top of 2026, means he’s set to drive for the Italian crew for the primary season of recent engine and design laws.
Pink Bull have dominated because the present laws had been launched in 2022, however the adjustments have the potential to fully reset the sphere.
Requested if Ferrari acing the brand new laws and delivering him a championship automobile in 2026 might result in him extending his profession, Hamilton supplied a optimistic response.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
We return to China 2017 as Lewis Hamilton dominates within the Mercedes forward of Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen
“I’m going to be racing well into my forties,” he stated. “So yeah, it’s no short-term thing.”
Hamilton remains to be not set to be the oldest driver on the grid over the subsequent two seasons, after long-time rival Fernando Alonso final week introduced the extension of his Aston Martin contract, additionally till the top of 2026.
Hamilton, who drove alongside Alonso at McLaren in an ill-tempered 2007 marketing campaign, welcomed the Spaniard’s choice to increase his profession.
“I’m going to be racing for quite some time still, so it’s definitely good that he (Alonso) is still around,” Hamilton added. “I hope that he keeps going for a little bit longer as well.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s reside Chinese language GP schedule
Friday April 19
4am: Chinese language GP Apply One (session begins at 4.30am)*
8am: Chinese language GP Dash Qualifying (session begins at 8.30am)*
Saturday April 20
3.30am: Chinese language GP Dash (race begins at 4am)*
7am: Chinese language GP Qualifying build-up*
8am: Chinese language GP Qualifying*
10am: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book*
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
A fast look again at among the greatest moments from the Chinese language Grand Prix over time…
Sunday April 21
7am: Grand Prix Sunday: Chinese language GP build-up*
8am: The CHINESE GRAND PRIX*
10am: Chequered Flag: Chinese language GP response*
11am: Ted’s Pocket book*
*additionally reside on Sky Sports activities Predominant Occasion
Subsequent up is the return of the Chinese language Grand Prix on April 19-21, which can be the primary Dash weekend of the season. You’ll be able to watch each session reside on Sky Sports activities F1 and steam each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
Advert content material | Stream Sky Sports activities on NOW
Stream Sky Sports activities reside with no contract on a Month or Day membership on NOW. Immediate entry to reside motion from the Premier League, EFL, F1, England Cricket, Tennis and a lot extra.
