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💡 Here’s what you’ll learn:
Hamilton will end his 11-year stint at Mercedes in 2024, joining Ferrari for the 2025 season.
The 40-year-old’s first season in red was difficult, with Hamilton finishing sixth in the standings.
“There was a lot to do and a lot to learn. It’s definitely difficult when we’re all working towards something and then back away,” he said.
“It’s like we’re climbing a mountain, and then you get to the weekend and you take a few steps back or 10 steps back. Then you have to get up and try again next time.
“I’ve backed this team 100% and I’ve backed myself 100%. I know that when we get it right, it’s going to be amazing, and I can’t wait for that moment because I’d love to see what you write next.”
“I really believe that’s what’s going to happen. I don’t lose sight of that, even during the tough days we’ve been through.”
Hamilton won the sprint at the second Grand Prix of the season in China but failed to reach the podium this year. His teammate Leclerc scored seven podium finishes.
But the novelty of the race for Ferrari has not diminished for Hamilton.
“I’m still pinching myself, honestly, that I’m wearing red, that I’m driving a Ferrari and I’m representing a lot of these amazing people that you never see back in the factory,” he said.
“I joined this team knowing full well that it takes time to steer the ship in a different direction.
“This is a huge thing. It’s a huge organization. There are a lot of moving parts. You can’t fix it with the snap of a finger. It takes real time.”
“This is not what any of us wanted for the season, with the problems we had and the results we achieved. We just kept going full force.”
Despite his difficulties, Hamilton says his first season at Ferrari “reminded me how resilient I am.”
Hamilton said: “I support this team 100%, I support myself 100%, and I know that when we get on the right track, it will be amazing.”
He added: “I can’t wait for that moment. I really believe it will happen, and I don’t lose sight of that even with all the difficult days we’ve been through.”
Leclerc said Elkann called him the morning after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix to tell him he intended to make the comments.
“John called me to reach out and said the message he wanted to send was positive, which is that we want to do better,” Leclerc said.
“I have always done my best. I will try to do better. This is the priority in the team and what we want to do.”
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