Lewis Hamilton holds the belief that Mercedes will continue to secure more F1 world championships even after he leaves the team.
Hamilton is set to embark on his final season with Mercedes, marking the end of a remarkable 12-year partnership before making the switch to Ferrari. The seven-time champion has expressed his desire to leave Mercedes on a high note.
Reflecting on the start of 2024 when the opportunity to join Ferrari arose, Hamilton shared during a pre-Bahrain GP press conference on Wednesday: “January was a turning point when the option of joining Ferrari came up, and I spent a lot of time evaluating my decision and ensuring it was the right one for me.”
“I feel confident in my choice. I am looking forward to this year.
“I believe this team will win another championship, and I will be proud to have been a part of it, contributing to the team’s progress in diversity, processes, and development.”
“But I am excited for the new challenge ahead.”
“There will be a range of emotions experienced during this challenge, but I am genuinely excited about it.”
Mercedes has been dominant in F1 since the introduction of turbo-hybrid engines, securing a record eight Constructors’ Championships and seven drivers’ titles in a row, with six of these won by Hamilton.
However, the team has faced tougher competition in the past two years as Red Bull emerged as the favorites in 2022-2023 and the current season.
How will Mercedes fare in the season opener in Bahrain?
In a bid to catch up with their competitors, Mercedes has made significant changes to their car for the 2024 season. The team had a successful test in Bahrain last week, with both Hamilton and George Russell noting that the new W15 car was more enjoyable to drive than its predecessors.
As they head into the first race of the season, Mercedes remains realistic about their prospects, with Hamilton acknowledging that the car is still a work in progress.