F1: Joining Ferrari 'exhilarating' says Hamilton

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 5 - Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton talked about his excitement about joining Ferrari next season after 12 years with Mercedes on Thursday ahead of this weekend's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
    Hamilton is set to replace Carlos Sainz, who will join Williams after being dropped by the Italian glamour team.
    "It really sparks motivation and it's a dream scenario for any driver to have an opportunity like this," Hamilton told a news conference when asked about the move.
    "Massive respect for Carlos and everything he's done within the team. And I realise it's a steep… "You know, I remember when I joined Mercedes, and it's not an easy step to ever enter into a new team.
    "And it takes time to build new relationships and learn the tools and everything. Coming into next year with that same focus, that same might that I had when I joined Mercedes and with ultimately that leap of faith, I think is exciting and exhilarating".
    Ferrari go into the final weekend trailing leaders McLaren by 21 points, so Sainz is in with a chance of helping the team win the constructors' title in his last race with them.
    "It would mean everything to me," Sainz said when asked about this happening.
    "It's the best way to say goodbye to my home these last four years and to the team that I've given my absolute best to for the last four years and I've enjoyed every single moment with them". (ANSA).