Present at the press conference in Bahrain on Thursday, Lewis Hamilton spent more time justifying his decision to join Ferrari next season than discussing his Mercedes’ on-track performance.

Watching him attack the semblance of the field in a simulation on Thursday, Lewis Hamilton gave the impression that he was still going strong for Mercedes. But listening to him in yesterday’s press conference, it was clear that he had already crossed the Channel and the Alps, with his head in Maranello. Despite five other drivers taking part, the discussion with the media was a one-way street, entirely focused on Hamilton and his surprise move to the Scuderia in 2025.

Apart from a message on social networks the day after the announcement, the seven-time world champion had not spoken. His word was therefore more than expected. “The opportunity presented itself, I seized it,” he was content to slip in, without saying anything more about the timing, except that it all came down to the New Year.

Vasseur, the key factor

On the other hand, Frédéric Vasseur’s role was clearly essential. We’ve always had an excellent relationship,” he continues. We had some fabulous successes together in F3 (in 2005) and GP2 (in 2006). Since then, we’ve never lost touch, and I knew he’d make a great F1 team boss. I was very happy when I heard he was leaving for Ferrari. And I think he’s already doing a great job.” Finally, the Briton spoke of his love for the Cavallino-based marque, his first Ferrari purchased in 2010. “Like all drivers of my age, I grew up with this image of Michael (Schumacher) surrounded by red. And like all drivers, I wondered what it would be like to be surrounded by red. When you go to Monza, you get an idea. Since 2007, the team hasn’t had much success. I see it as a nice challenge.”

A final remark that brought Hamilton back to reality, that of a final season driving for Mercedes. It was a hard decision to leave them,” he confessed. I drove with them for twenty-six years. We wrote part of the story together, but I felt I had to open a new chapter”.

Not a word about the car, but about his determination. I’m 100% committed to this final season for the team,” he insisted, as if to reassure himself. I want to finish on a high and I have every confidence in this team. That’s the goal.” with a W15 that has found a cursed rebound and plunged its latest hero into the anonymity of the standings with an obscure time yesterday (12th, 1″6 off Leclerc’s best time).

This post is originally from L’Équipe