Itโs been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions.
But as you all now know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.
I feel incredibly fortunate, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only have dreamed of as a kid, that I now have the chance to fulfil another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red.
Mercedes has been a huge part of my life since I was 13 years old, so this decision has been the hardest Iโve ever had to make. Iโm incredibly proud of all that weโve achieved together and Iโm very grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone I have worked with over the years and of course Toto, for his friendship, guidance and leadership. Together we have won titles, broken records and become the most successful Driver-Team partnership in F1 history. And of course I cannot forget Niki who was a huge supporter and who I still miss everyday.
I must also share my huge appreciation to the whole of the Mercedes-Benz board and everyone at the company in Germany and around the world for supporting me over these 26 years.
But the time is right to make a change and take on a new challenge. I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined Mercedes in 2013. I know some people didnโt understand it at the time but I was right to make the move then and it's the feeling I have again now. Iโm excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together.
However, right now, Iโm not thinking about 2025. My focus is on the upcoming season and getting back out on track with Mercedes. I am more driven than ever, I am fitter and more focussed than than ever and I want to help Mercedes win once again. I am 100% committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high.
Thank you to all of you who have been on this journey with me, you have all lifted me up as I chase my dreams and I hope I can continue to make you proud. As always, sending you my love and positive energy.
People owe NBA Commissioner Adam Silver an apology.
Because despite all the criticism and skepticism of the seemingly "pointless" In-Season Tournament, it has already transformed NBA viewership.
November isn't a month that screams basketball. In fact, the NFL gets 10x the viewership in the 11th month. But a Forbes study has found that the NBA is finally breaking November records because of the IST.
On November 28th, the Warriors-Kings IST game broke 2 million viewers- a 93% increase in viewership compared to games in November last season. And it's not just because the game featured the Warriors in a Game 7 rematch from last season.
The NBA has seen a 26% viewership increase in all Tournament games in November compared to games in the same timeframe last season. That includes a 20% viewership increase for IST games on ESPN, 16% on TNT, and 20% across all local broadcasts.
And the best part?
Fans are NOT paying more for these games. According to TicketIQ, ticket prices for those IST games were at the same level as regular season games from last November. The same goes for the quarterfinal and semifinal games, with only the championship game in Las Vegas showing signs of a price increase.
Ok, now put down the calculator.
Did you see the Indiana Pacers crowd on Monday night? Did you feel something when the New Orleans Pelicans advanced to the semifinals?
Nobody said this whole thing was supposed to have a point. But Adam Silver still made his point.
The In-Season Tournament doesn't take anything away from the NBA. It adds an intensity and sense of elimination the regular season needed.
So while the courts may be over-colored, the Tournament is far from overhypedโฆ ๐คท๐ฝโโ๏ธ
Steph Curry pulled up to the Warriors-Thunder game rocking a Howard University hoodie ๐ฅ
Curry previously donated $6 million over six years to Howard to create a golf program at the school ๐
(via @NBCSWarriors)