TOUGH EXIT: Lewis Hamilton admits upcoming Mercedes departure as ‘massively emotional’

Having enjoyed tremendous success with Mercedes, including 82 wins and six world titles since joining in 2013, the British driver’s decision to pursue a “childhood dream” with Ferrari marked a significant shift in the sport’s landscape.

As the 2024 season unfolds, Hamilton finds himself in a unique position within the Mercedes team.

He acknowledges that the gradual phasing out process, which includes limited access to certain team activities and information, adds to the complexity of the transition.

Despite these changes, Hamilton emphasises that his departure is not rooted in unhappiness but rather a desire to explore new opportunities.

Hamilton’s journey with Mercedes began during his teenage years, and his impending move to Ferrari at the age of 40 underscores the evolution and longevity of his illustrious career.

While he prepares for a new challenge in Maranello, the legacy of his partnership with Mercedes remains a pivotal part of his racing narrative.

“For me, this whole journey has been massively emotional, just because I have so much love for this team,” Hamilton told CBS’s Gayle King.

“I’m not leaving because I’m unhappy there. I’m not leaving because of relationship issues. They’ve been with me through thick and thin, it’s definitely a strange transition at the moment.”