Hamilton 'didn't tell parents' about shock Ferrari move

Lewis Hamilton says he did not even tell his parents that he was moving to Ferrari until the day of the announcement.

On February 1st, rumours were confirmed that Hamilton would be leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari from the 2025 season, ending a record-breaking 12-year stint with the team that has brought him 82 Grand Prix wins and six titles.

He has described how it was a "childhood dream" to race for Ferrari, and was enticed by the prospect of bringing the title back to Maranello, but Hamilton says he did not tell father Anthony, mother Carmen or step-mother Linda of his decision until the day the news went public.

Hamilton to Ferrari

"I didn't speak to anybody. I didn't tell my parents till the day of it being announced, so, no one knew," Hamilton explained on the BBC's 'F1: Back at Base' podcast.

"I really wanted to do it for myself. Ultimately, I had to find out what would be the best for me.

"It happened very fast and basically, I have known Fred[eric Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal] for a long time.

"For me, I was excited for a new year, but not really knowing what the future would hold and not really knowing how long I was going to race for, but knowing that I felt super driven and excited to continue to race.

"I mean, the opportunity just popped up and I was like: 'OK, I've got to think for a second'.

"I didn't have a lot of time to think and I had to just go with my gut feeling and I decided to take the opportunity."