Lewis Hamilton has recalled fond memories of watching Michael Schumacher driving for Fꦅerrari as he prepares to fo🐻llow in his footsteps.

Hamilton will swap Mercedes for Ferrari next year, for what is likely to be the finꦜal chapter of his legendary F1 ༺career.

Hamilton and Ferrari are the sport’s most successful driver and most successful t🧜eam.

“It’s been a rollerco🦂aster of emotions from the moment I signed the contract - telling my boss, that was terrifying,” Hamilton .

“But it is so exciting because I rem🦄ember as a kid watching Michael.

“Every driver watches that car and you’re like, ‘What would ꦍit be🌄 like to sit in the red cockpit?’”

Schu🐻macher led a golden era for Ferrari with Jean Todt as his team principal💛.

The iconic German driver won five championships in a row with the Italian manufacturer. His total of seven titles was the all-timeඣ record which Hamilton matched.

Schum𓂃acher ended a three-year retirement for a spell at Mercedes where his groundwork laid some foundations for Hamilton’s later success.

Hamilton will race into his 40s with Ferrari, seeking to break the record wﷺith an eighth F1 championship.

“Honestly, right now I feel I’m healthi👍er th🐻an I’ve ever been,” he said.

“I’m in such a good place, phy🦩sically and mentally.

“My reaction times are still quick☂er than the youꦓng guys. I think I’m a better driver than I was at 22.

“I was just young, energetic and ruthless, but no finesse, no balance. I di﷽dn’t know how to be a🍒 team player, how to be a leader.

“Being a good racing driver, it’s not just about being fast, it’s about being the most rouಌnded.”