Lewis Hamilton had ‘scaring’ experience with …

Lewis Hamilton made the decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari before the current Formula 1 season began – but then had to deliver the news to his long-time boss Toto WolffLewis Hamilton has said addressing Toto Wolff about his desire to quit Mercedes was a “terrifying” experience.

Deciding to walk away from the team he has experienced the great bulk of his Formula 1 career with was far from simple. The seven-time champion then had to inform his supervisor of his plans to join rivals Ferrari.

Beginning a new chapter in his F1 career at the age of 40 is a bold move from Hamilton, who is chasing an eighth championship success before retiring. However, he has stated in the past that he has flirted with the idea of racing in the renowned Ferrari cars.

He did this in late January, a few days before shocking the F1 world by publicly confirming his blockbuster move. Hamilton reflected on that period and recalled how scary it was for him to sit down with Wolff and tell him of his plan to walk away.

And in the Times interview he went on to name Michael Schumacher as an inspiration for his childhood dream of racing for F1’s most famous marque. He explained: “It is so exciting because I remember as a kid watching Michael.

Every driver watches that car and you’re like: ‘What would it be like to sit in the red cockpit?'” Until he completes that switch, though, the seven-time F1 champion insists his full focus is on finishing his Mercedes career on a high.

And he has proven it this season by ending his long victory drought to win twice, at Silverstone and Spa-FrancorchampsJust six rounds remain of the current season as the end of his most successful era creeps ever closer.

And Hamilton admits the thought of leaving makes him more and more emotional with each passing race.He said: “It’s been there all year. Every single race you turn up. I love my team so much. We have been through a hell of a lot together so it will be emotional every single race.”Because every race we do is the last time at that particular place.

Every race we get closer and closer to the last time I’ll be in that Mercedes. It’s going to be tough, but my focus is just to do my best job for the team and to finish on a high.”