Lewis Hamilton has responded to rumours that his move to Ferrari in 2025 justified the effects on the track this year, saying he made his decision only because it was smart for him.
The seven-time world champion will leave Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of this season following the F1 world championship with the announcement of a multi-year contract earlier this year.
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After two tricky seasons to comply with the technical regulations introduced in 2022, his current Mercedes team has had the worst start to a season in its F1 history, while Ferrari has emerged as the closest force to the dominant Red Bull team.
Asked if the effects of this year justified his decision to leave Mercedes, Hamilton said he did not feel the need to prove he had made the right decision.
“Well, I don’t feel like I want my decision to be justified,” he said ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix. “I think I know what’s smart for me, and that hasn’t replaced me from the moment I made the decision. “.
“There wasn’t a single moment where I questioned it, and I’m not influenced by other people’s comments. Even today, there are other people who continue to speak out, and this will continue for the rest of the year.
“Only you can know what’s best for you. It’s going to be an exciting time for me. “
The exact length of Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari has been made public, apart from the fact that he will remain with the team until the 2026 season and in the upcoming F1 regulations. For the first race of 2026, Hamilton will be 41 years old, but he still said Thursday that he could continue “until he’s 40. “
He added: “I never thought I’d be running until I’m 40. I’m pretty sure I said I wouldn’t. “
“But life is such a crazy ride. I don’t feel like I’m 40 years old. Overall, I feel good. “