Hamilton in 'unique scenario' as heart remains with Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton has insisted that although he already knows he will be leaving Mercedes at the end of the F1 season, his heart is still with the team.

The seven-time drivers' champion announced his decision to join Ferrari for 2025 in February, before pre-season had even commenced.

The 39-year-old has said that even though he will be joining the Scuderia at the end of the year, he is not currently in contact with them and is aiming to beat the team whilst he is still with Mercedes.

"Right now my heart's still with Mercedes and I really want to continue to deliver and lift them up," he told media including RacingNews365 when asked about dealing with the awkwardness of having divided loyalties. 

"That's not only my job, but my desire this year. And as difficult as it's been, we still rally together and I’m really proud of everyone that I'm working with. And I'm really hoping that the year gets better. I don't want to say it can't get worse, but I definitely think we will improve."

"I'm not actually in touch with the team [Ferrari]," he added when about how much communication he is having with the Italian outfit whilst racing for a competitor. "I observe from afar, but the full focus is on how can we [Mercedes] beat them right now. How can we win. So that's where all my energy is going."

'It's a unique scenario'

The timing of the early Ferrari announcement has resulted in extensive questions about his new team throughout the beginning of the year, despite still driving for Mercedes.

It has resulted in such questions being shut down at times, and over the weekend, a clip emerged of Hamilton telling fans he would only sign Mercedes caps - something that was picked up by the media ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.

"I've never been in this situation before, so it's a unique scenario," he explained.

"On one side, I'm really excited for turning up and working with my guys, and then I'm excited for the future at the same time. 

"And also, just in terms of how fans have responded, it's been great, because I'm kind of mingling with fans from both teams."