In a surprising revelation, seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton expressed his desire to end his F1 career by racing for Ferrari during a candid conversation back in 2015. The conversation, which took place at a popular hangout spot for F1 personnel in Japan, sheds light on Hamilton's long-standing ambition and his motivations behind his recent move to the Italian team.

At the time, Hamilton was enjoying a dominant season with Mercedes, effortlessly securing his eighth grand prix victory of the year at Suzuka. Amidst the celebrations, Matt Bishop, a former McLaren colleague, engaged in a conversation with Hamilton, discussing his future ambitions and the challenges of the sport.

During their chat, Hamilton made it clear that he felt the need for a change and hinted at his willingness to leave Mercedes. He fondly reminisced about keeping an eye on McLaren's performance, despite them not being a threat to Mercedes at the time. When asked about a potential return to McLaren, Hamilton claimed that he felt it was best to never go back to a previous team and instead seek new opportunities.

The conversation further revealed Hamilton's aspiration to win championships for multiple teams, mentioning Ferrari as his ultimate destination to cap off his F1 career. Recognizing the legacy and prestige associated with Ferrari, Hamilton expressed his desire to take on the challenge and become a part of the Scuderia.

Hamilton's move to Ferrari has drawn comparisons to his decision to leave McLaren for Mercedes in 2012. While the latter paid off splendidly, propelling Hamilton to incredible success, his switch to Ferrari is seen as a more logical progression. Mercedes, despite their dominance in recent years, experienced a decline in performance, finishing third and second in the constructors' championships in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Meanwhile, Ferrari's recent success, highlighted by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz's combined five wins in the same period, has piqued Hamilton's interest. With the British driver set to join forces with Leclerc in 2025, Hamilton aims to add to his record-breaking 103 victories by securing championships for McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari.

The move to Ferrari is not solely motivated by financial gain, as Hamilton already earns a substantial salary with Mercedes. Instead, it is driven by Hamilton's relentless pursuit of personal and professional challenges, as well as the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the world of Formula 1.

As Hamilton's grand plan slowly unfolds, the F1 community eagerly awaits the next chapter in his storied career. Will he fulfill his ambition and add a Ferrari stint to his impressive repertoire of accomplishments? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - Hamilton's determination and steadfastness make him a force to be reckoned with both on and off the track.