Hamilton on move to Mercedes: 'Of course it was a risk'
General
- GPblog.com
Lewis Hamilton made the switch from race-winning McLaren to mid-tier Mercedes in 2013. Many people had their doubts about this move, but time taught that it may have been the best move by a driver ever in Formula 1. In a press release from Mercedes Hamilton looked back on his debut for Mercedes, which is now 10 years ago.
Hamilton to Mercedes, an unexpected move that ensured unprecedented success. The Brit has scored 82 victories, 77 pole positions and became World Champion six times with the German constructor. Some 10 years ago, Hamilton made his debut for Mercedes at the Australian Grand Prix.
Hamilton on risks
Switching from a team competing for wins to one that can occasionally compete for a podium does not sound like a logical move, yet that is what Hamilton did. The Brit confesses that it also felt like a huge risk for him, but that the switch also felt right.
"Did it feel like a risk? Of course! When you make decisions, you go through changes and it's always going to be a risk. But I would feel like I'm not living if I'm not taking risks, not constantly challenging myself and those around me. It was the inevitable direction I had to go, and it felt right," said the seven-time World Champion.
There was much criticism of the Briton's choice, but only time would tell if it was the right choice. In the end, it turned out that Hamilton's choice was phenomenal. "It was a feeling that I had; I wanted something new. So many people told me it was wrong. I knew that if I didn't make the move though, I would have regretted it. I didn't have any second thoughts...although I do remember around Christmas sitting outside in the cold looking over the snowy mountains thinking: 'Shoot! I hope I've made the right decision.'"