Hamilton believes in Mercedes resurgence: 'Will be champions again'

"Everything turned upside down in terms of when the opportunity came," Hamilton said in Bahrain, reflecting on the upcoming switch to Ferrari. "I had a lot of time alone trying to make sure you're doing your due diligence and you're making the right decision for yourself. And I feel like I've made the right decision. I'm excited, really excited."

Hamilton proud of diversity within Mercedes

But the Brit is also looking forward to his final year with Mercedes. "I'm excited about this year. And I know this team is going to win another championship. And I feel I'll be proud to know that I've been a part of it because a lot of the things we've put in place in terms of how much more diverse our team is, the processes that we go through."

For Hamilton, saying goodbye to Mercedes is not a final goodbye. "I will in the long haul, always be a part of that process and that development that this team has gone through. But I'm really looking forward to that new challenge that, it's lots of different emotions that you would experience through that challenge. But it's one I'm really excited about."